Housekeepers celebrate success with Armagh City Hotel’s NVQ programme
The Armagh City Hotel are delighted to celebrate two members of their dedicated Housekeeping team upon completion of their Level 2 NVQ Diploma programmes.
The hotel have long been in partnership with programme facilitator, People’s 1st and pride themselves in helping their valued employees to progress professionally through the deliverance of an array of industry-specific courses.
The most recent to receive their diplomas are Housekeepers, Ellie McManus and Kristiana Caunane, who have each been awarded NVQ Level 2 Diplomas in Housekeeping.
Of the girls’ achievements, Senior HR Advisor Siobhan Maxwell, said: “I’ve been so happy seeing the girls complete their NVQs – both girls have worked exceptionally hard on their course with their People’s 1st tutor Colleen.
“We started working with People’s 1st last year, and we have had eight employees, including managers part take in different qualifications. Completing these courses as you work has been amazing, People’s 1st have been so flexible with working around the girls’ work schedule. All classes and assessments take place during working hours and that has been a huge draw for our participants as some may not have the option to complete a qualification outside of working hours.
“When the girls commenced the course, apprenticeships were only open to 16-24 years olds, however, apprenticeships now have no restrictions and are open to all ages, so we are hoping to offer NVQ programmes across all age groups within the hotel to existing and new employees.
“The courses can be tailored to each participants individual needs, depending on their current role and what they see their role developing into through additional optional modules. Providing these courses for our existing and new employees is our way of supporting them in developing their careers with us.”
Armagh City Hotel Housekeepers, Ellie McManus (left) and Krisitana Caunane (right) with their NVQ Level 2 Diplomas in Housekeeping
General Manager, Henk Compier was similarly delighted to recognise the girls’ achievement and presented each with a bottle of celebratory prosecco.
Said Henk: “We are so proud of Ellie and Kristiana on the completion of their NVQ’s, both girls have been with us just over two years and in the last year in particular their confidence has increased immensely, that I believe is down to participating in the course – the knowledge and the skills they have gained from the course has helped them tremendously in their roles within the hotel, I can see both of them progressing through the ranks within the hotel.
“That is the reason we work with People’s 1st in delivering these courses, on the job training and development is so important, however, this course and the subsequent qualification has given both girls unmatched knowledge and confidence. Once again, I am so proud of them both.”
Commenting on her experience of the course, Kristiana said: “It was different because I didn’t know you couldn’t do something like this with work. Our tutor created such a bond with us and there were things that I didn’t know going into the programme and now I do so it’s nice to know that I have this foundation now for the future.”
Kristiana’s department colleague and classmate Ellie shared a similar experience, stating: “It was such a new experience. I was learning things that I thought I knew already, but I didn’t. We had a great tutor and created a bond and it was actually really nice. The NVQ Level 2 is better for the future. If I wanted to move on or move up in hospitality it will help with that.”