"De Vere saw my potential instead of my qualifications. That changed my life."

Ethan Moore, Senior Restaurant Floor Manager, De Vere Tortworth Court

From leaving school at 14 to leading a team of more than 50 people, Ethan Moore's career is proof that there isn't just one route to success. In this honest account, Ethan shares how an apprenticeship in hospitality gave him the confidence, skills and opportunities that traditional education couldn't - and why he's passionate about helping others discover the same path. Ethan is currently enrolled on our Luxury Leaders, Bath course. 

“I left school when I was 14 because I didn't really develop well in the school system. I applied for around 20 jobs, and De Vere Tortworth Court was the only place willing to give me an interview and an opportunity.

I still remember turning up for my interview in a very unironed shirt. I met the manager, and the interview just went really, really well. I felt I'd made a good account of myself, and they saw something in me. They wanted me to join full-time, but I wanted to make sure I enjoyed the role first.

I started as a Food & Beverage Assistant when I was 16. Within about six months I was working full-time, and the hotel offered me a place on its Emerging Leader Programme. That meant spending time in different departments across the hotel.

Because I was only 17, I was too young to work certain hours in the bar or carry out some duties in meetings and events, so I spent a lot of time in the restaurant, where they felt I was a strong pair of hands..

A couple of weeks before my 18th birthday, I was offered the role of Assistant Restaurant Manager, making me the youngest person to enter management within the company at the time.

More recently, I completed my Level 3 Food & Beverage apprenticeship. It was fantastic for my development and helped prepare me for my current role as Senior Restaurant Floor Manager. Today I oversee a team of 54 people, manage recruitment, budgets and the day-to-day running of the restaurant, alongside a brilliant team.

For me, hospitality is for anyone, and apprenticeships are for anyone.

I really struggled with the traditional school system, with exams and learning through pen and paper. Apprenticeships are incredibly important because they offer real, hands-on learning. Hospitality is a people business, and not everyone develops in the same way.

I'm now completing a Level 4 Luxury Leaders Food & Beverage apprenticeship, which has been fantastic. It's given me the chance to learn from some outstanding leaders and visit some incredible properties.

Ethan Moore, Senior Restaurant Floor Manager, De Vere Tortworth Court, left school at 14. Today he leads a team of 54.

I'd urge anyone who doesn't feel they fit into the traditional school environment to consider an apprenticeship. Hospitality could be the perfect place to build a career.

Development is the most important thing in this business.

Too many employers keep people in the same role because the job is getting done. But if people aren't developing, they're much more likely to leave.

At De Vere, development is part of the culture. Apprenticeships and investing in people from the ground up are a huge reason why the business succeeds. That's also why retention is so strong.

I'd encourage any employer to look at apprenticeships because, at the end of the day, apprentices are the future of every business.

Hospitality is the people's business. Every day you meet someone new and have the chance to make a difference to their day. That's what I love about it.

Our philosophy is simple: every guest, every time. Whether someone is spending £50 or £250 a night, they deserve exactly the same experience.”

Someone took a chance on me when I didn't fit the traditional education system. That opportunity has given me a career I genuinely love, and it's why I believe so strongly in apprenticeships today.

Our Luxury Leaders programme is perfect for senior leaders who set the standard for excellence, driving performance, inspiring teams, and shaping the future of luxury experiences.

Designed for those who don’t just manage, but lead with vision, motivating their people to deliver nothing short of exceptional.

Spaces are limited to 15 per cohort to ensure meaningful learning.

Next start date: July 17th

Enquire now to check current availability.