Every apprenticeship journey begins in a different place, but the outcome often shares a familiar pattern — greater confidence, stronger skills, and a clearer sense of what’s possible.

In this case study, we meet Harvey Simpson, who chose the Hospitality Team Member apprenticeship programme to develop, progress, and take on new challenges. Their story shows how the right support, structure, and guidance can help people grow — not just in their role, but in the direction they want their future to go.

Can you tell us a bit about your current role and what you do day to day?

My day to day role consists of running food to customers, greeting customers and showing them to tables available, I prepare the kitchen in the mornings for the day, I also close down the kitchen, I make sure customers receive the best care possible during their experience with us and I collaborate with fellow staff members to achieve goals set by the company.

What was your background before starting your apprenticeship?

I had been a staff member at the Ragley for a year prior to me starting the apprenticeship. I joined the Ragley at 16 looking for part time shifts at weekends as I had just started Year 11, I did not have a goal or dream of working in a restaurant I was set on beoming a Sports development coach or a Sports Physiotherapist.

This became a better option when I started Sixth Form. Six months into Year 12 I was finding it hard to fit into the aspect of another two years in a school setting, this is when my General Manager, Tracey had offered an apprenticeship spot. I was hesitant at first but eventually I was convinced and it has been smooth sailing from then on.

What made you decide to start an apprenticeship?

During my short time in Year 12 I realised that I was more of a hands on and practical learner and wanted to push myself whilst working. Plus i enjoyed working at the Ragley on the weekends and enjoy the restaurant atmosphere.

How did you hear about PLG?

As soon as the apprenticeship discussion with Tracey happened, she told me about PLG and we looked at the different courses that were on offer.

What were you hoping to achieve when you first started?

To gain a lot more knowledge about the industry, being taught by people who have been involved within the industry for a long time. Be able to be more confident in my job role, exceed expectations from my supervisors and managers and become a role model for new staff members.

What have you enjoyed most about the apprenticeship?

The ability to learn about the whole industry and how each individual problem and/or solution can contribute to the way the business is ran. The trainers ability to give you the knowledge you need to continue to grow in this industry which is hard unless you have a mentor/teacher to help you.

What new skills or knowledge have you developed?

Being able to complete line checks to identify missing food products or products that are ‘up’ and to find solutions to solve these. I have developed my confidence in delegating tasks to different staff members – being able to identify who is stronger at what task so it can be completed efficiently.

I have developed an understanding of the environmental impact Hospitality has on the world for example the amount of food can be wasted during one shift, the amount of electricity used during a shift and also the amount of water used.

With this we have discussed the ways to combat these such as portion control, turning off appliances when it is slow and turn of running taps when they are not being used.

Have there been any challenges along the way? How did you overcome them?

A lot of the challenges were from a lack of confidence so I would talk to my managers and trainer Steph about how to overcome this, they were supportive and gave me tasks to build my confidence and it really helped. A lot of challenges are temporary, and you have to face them a couple of times before you say you cannot do them so before I gave up I tried and tried again.

How have your trainer and PLG supported you?

If I had any problems with assignments or if I needed to alter a lesson so it was more focussed on me and my progress. They have all been supportive and have always believed in me even if I did make a mistake here or there. They are always honest with the marking of assignments and will always mark it fairly giving you examples or pointers of that you have missed.

How has the apprenticeship helped you in your role?

It has given me better overall knowledge about the industry as a whole and how to identify problems and where I can find the solutions. It has taught me how to push myself to the best of my ability not just for my growth but for everyone’s and how I can make such a big difference for everyone.

What’s been your proudest achievement so far?

Finally passing my Level 2 Maths assessment. Completing my first Mock Observation and being told everything I had done was correct and couldn’t do anymore to improve.

What are your plans after completing the programme?

To master the skills I have learnt in my apprenticeship to allow me to move onto more important roles within Hospitality i.e becoming a Team Leader or Supervisor.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship with PLG to others? Why?

Yes, as it has shaped me into a new person within the industry and has brought me out of my shell, given me the confidence to speak up about issues I see whilst on shift, the support is constant from monthly meetings/emails/calls and the confidence the teachers have in you really shows.