Apprenticeship Case Study - Mariel Hading Chalamet Lopez

Job title: Reception Supervisor

Hotel: Innside by Meliá Newcastle

Name of apprenticeship: Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor

Hello, I am Mariel Hading Chalamet Lopez.

Working in Melia Hotels International as receptionist, the possibility to apply for an apprenticeship with Umbrella Training was opened.

After a few weeks, I found myself admitted in the Hospitality Supervisor program and very happy to start a new opportunity to grow and develop myself further. 

COVID-19 Hit

February 2020, we had our first meeting, we were introduced to Umbrella and we got the information of how the course was going to be and what the plan was for the year coming ahead.

Covid19 hit and we were not even able to attend our second meeting physically, but that was never a problem for them. They quickly adjusted their program, changed their plan, learning methods and classes and we kept going with our fantastic online classes.

They are so much fun; we all interact and we as students were even leading the presentation and explaining some points. 

The effects of furlough

I have to admit that being furlough for 7 months, lockdown and almost no social life has not always been easy. I am glad that I had the opportunity to carry on with the program, keep myself busy, keep growing and motivating myself for when the time to go back to work came.

Very important to mention that Jacob, my tutor, and all my colleagues were always there for me and we have supported each other.

Family has been a great support too and has helped to look after my mental health. 

I am now ready for my EPA 

In November 2020, I was actually able to put into practice quite a lot of what I was learning. I was back to work and promoted to Reception Supervisor, I felt so ready for it. All the hard work was rewarded and I felt motivated to keep going with the last few month of the course. 

Now, after a year of perseverance and consistency my final project is done, all my tasks have been completed and I am more than ready for my end point assessment.