Apprentice Case Study with Marshall Bax of The Pig at Bridge Place, Canterbury

I am Marshall Bax, I’m currently working as a CDR at The Pig at Bridge Place.

I chose the apprenticeship because I thoroughly enjoyed the Level 2 Team member apprenticeship with Jonathan in 2018; so much so that I chose to do my next qualification three years down the line in 2021/2022. I also took an assistant manager role at an independent restaurant in Ramsgate, where I felt I would benefit from having the support and guidance of Umbrella to become the best leader I can be; and strive for greatness.

The apprenticeship with The Pig has been great, as I started with a different employer.

The Pig took on the costs and responsibility of the apprenticeship, giving me the time and guidance to carry out my tasks and projects to the best of my ability. Rowan and Bertina; my upline managers have given me lots of time for my 121’s with Freddie and have given me as much time as I need inside working hours to complete my work which I am very grateful for. I believe I have also given back to The Pig by taking on the leadership qualities I'm learning into the workplace.

I personally love networking and trading ideas with other hospitality professionals.

The debates and differences in opinion or experience really fills me with passion and it gives me a sense of pride to talk to other people about ideas and even struggles in the workplace; which in turn gives me ideas to bring to the workplace to trial and feedback to the rest of the group. I have really got on with all of my LC’s however I feel that Freddie Speed and I have a really good relationship, he’s helped me through career direction and offered advice. I feel that he’s really genuine and cares for our well being and career progression which makes me look forward to our sessions; having a mentor like this gives me a good foundation on how I want to treat my team.

Something that I really take pride in is my attention to people's welfare and mental health.

Due to Umbrella’s focus on safeguarding and mental health awareness, it really opened up my focus on the day to day running of hospitality operations and how there is a lack of care for mental health. I became Haymarket Hotels' mental health first aider when I was there in 2020 and carried out lots of awareness training which further enhanced my understanding and what to look out for. I now like to think that I look out for my colleagues and always offer an ear for advice or to vent because I understand how hard the industry can be. Now onto something less serious, my favorite memory has to be representing hospitality with Umbrella at The Houses of Parliament. Meeting Rosie Dudfield, my local labor representative, and talking to her about the importance of the industry and real in depth training was truly inspiring; the free wine and canapes also helped.

I always felt able to talk to my LC’s and contact them whenever I wanted which was really helpful.

Freddy also always checked in with me and kept constant communication with 121’s to make sure I was keeping on track. Umbrella never overloaded me with work, and the flexible task times really helped me balance work, life and my apprenticeship which made it all very enjoyable.