Ritz London apprentice wins top Purple Umbrella Award

The Ritz London team member apprentice Holly Langan has won the Purple Umbrella Award at a ceremony celebrating future talent held in London last week.

Langan was one of six award winners at the Umbrella Training awards, held during National Apprenticeship Week to recognise apprentices in the sector.

Other winners at the event at Park Plaza Victoria included BaxterStorey's Esther Smith, who was named Chef Apprentice of the Year, and Hospitality Team Member Apprentice of the Year Damian Szczotka from Red Carnation hotels.

Working for British American Tobacco in London, Smith joined BaxterStorey aged sixteen and is the first Umbrella apprentice to be awarded a distinction in the level two commis chef standard apprenticeship.

She said: "I was so proud to be shortlisted, to win is an even greater step in right direction for my career. I can't wait for the years ahead but for now I'm grateful National Apprenticeship Week for the success I've had in my apprenticeship and support I've had along the way. I really hope more young people will join the catering industry because it's an exciting environment where you grow your skills but also so much as a person."

Umbrella Training founder and managing director Adele Oxberry: "Apprentices make a major contribution to the success of the hospitality sector. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our winners and are delighted to see the impact they are making within their businesses."

Purple Umbrella Award winners

•Purple Umbrella Award - Holly Langan, the Ritz London
•Chef Apprentice of the year - Esther Smith, BaxterStorey
•Hospitality Team Member Apprentice of the year - Damian Szczotka, Red Carnation hotels
•Hospitality Supervisor Apprentice of the year - Adnana Pruteanu, Hotel Café Royal
•Hospitality Manager Apprentice of the year - Claire Felton, Park Plaza Hotels
•Alumni Apprentice of the year - Ben Purton, Elite Hospitality Assessment Professionals