Harrison wins Cost Sector Catering’s Training and Apprenticeship Award 2017

The company is committed to developing skills and invests heavily in a comprehensive training programme for all its employees, from young students and apprentices right through to senior management. Bespoke training packages are created for each individual and help develop skills, grow confidence levels and ultimately support employees’ career progression.Specialist craft training is provided to develop skills and helps build confidence.

Harrison has championed partnership working with suppliers to develop a series of off-site workshops at different skills levels to utilise the suppliers’ specialist skills and knowledge, creating mutual synergies and strengthening partnership relationships.The Harrison family values have created a culture that ensures the business is very inclusive. Working in partnership with organisations such as Ealing Mencap and the Camden Society, Harrison has provided placements and employed people with learning difficulties providing specialist training programmes which have culminated in great learning experiences. This coupled with buddy/mentoring systems help ease the transition into the workplace.The Geoffrey Harrison Foundation has also been established by the chairman of Harrison to advance education and learning for young people in the hotel, restaurant and hospitality industry. The foundation partners with The University of West London and Westminster Kingsway College to sponsor Saturday morning chef academies and has supported over 700 year 10 and 11 year students to date. The course offers an excellent introduction to industry and provide an opportunity for students to prepare, cook and serve a three course meal at the end of the course to a large audience.Alex Taylor, Training Manager said ‘Identifying and creating personalised development plans focussed on business and employee need is key to the success of our training programmes.’Claire Aylward, Joint Managing Director attributed the success to employees ‘We’re delighted to have received the award. As an inclusive employer we feel it’s essential to fully support all employees to reach their potential. It’s a real honour to receive the award and a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our employees who show real commitment to growth and development’.*From left to right in picture is Lucy Porter host, Alex Taylor HCS, Dawn Gallimore Brakes and Paul Biddle HCS