Nando’s launches second Hospitality Heroes apprenticeship scheme

Nando’s has launched its Hospitality Heroes Level 2 Apprenticeship Programme following a successful inaugural year.

The programme is aimed at school leavers and those over the age of 16 across England and offers a Level 2 Hospitality Team Member Apprenticeship.

The 15-month syllabus, provided in partnership with Lifetime Training, includes training on customer service, team leadership and personal development as well as offering opportunities to learn alongside Nando’s experienced team members in the restaurants.

The 114 applicants who were part of the inaugural intake are now over halfway through their programme and are set to graduate later this year.

Maria Horn, chief people officer at Nando’s, said: “At Nando’s it’s our people that bring the passion to our restaurants and it’s been fantastic to see our more than 100-strong cohort of Hospitality Heroes apprentices flourish this year.

“We’re proud that all our apprenticeships receive the same salary as our full-time team members alongside our extensive package of benefits such as free meals every shift, up to 40% discount including five guests, and a paid sabbatical after five years of service.

“Launching the second year of the programme supports us in our ambition to develop our future managers from within our business as part of our commitment to investing in providing clear career paths within the hospitality industry. We welcome applicants looking to work in a fast-paced and varied environment to build skills that will serve them throughout their careers with Nando’s and beyond.”

Jonny Da Cruz, currently undertaking the programme at Nando’s Richmond, said: “I was looking for a job as a chef, but as I didn’t have any experience I wasn’t having much luck. I knew of Nando’s and found out about their apprenticeship programmes. It’s a great opportunity – I knew that I’d learn the cooking skills I wanted, while earning a living.

“Other employers would make me start as a pot wash, but this apprenticeship has meant I’ve been able to get ahead. It didn’t matter that I didn’t have any previous experience – I now have it! My next goal is to become a manager and then see where my career takes me.”

Chloe Mcmenemy, an apprentice at Nando’s Sheffield Meadowhall, added: “The best thing about doing an apprenticeship is that you can earn and learn – you get paid to do your coursework. My Patrao (manager) lets me use his office, put some music on and gives me the time and space to concentrate.”

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