Apprentice case study with The Dorchester Assistant Executive Housekeeper Victorija Micke

Leaders can be defined by their ability to inspire others to achieve a collective goal.

Viktorija Micke choses to inspire others through leading by example. Currently working as Assistant Executive Housekeeper at The Dorchester Hotel, Viktorija is completing her L5 Operations Department Manager Apprenticeship in August 2022.

It is an honour to have her in the programme and at Umbrella we strive to offer a diversified apprentice learning programme that includes online and in-classroom training modules, guest speakers, professional discussions with key industry participants and recommended reading to guide the future leaders of the Hospitality Industry.

She offers this insight into her own experience: “During the apprenticeship Umbrella not only gave a lot of knowledge and personal growth but also meeting new people and sharing experience is a great value and achievement. I am very happy that Kyla Kennaley has joined the Umbrella team and can share her experience and knowledge with us.”

The foundation laid by participating in the L3 Team Leader Supervisor Programme helped Viktorija face the challenges of the last two years.

After achieving a Distinction Certificate for exemplary work in the L3 Apprenticeship Programme; she is willing to offer some advice for participants of the programme:

“Completing the apprenticeship, you learn a lot about people management, time management and prioritising tasks. These are implemented on your day-to-day tasks to make sure that operations run smoothly.”

When asked, ‘What do you love about your apprenticeship?’, she had this to share: 

“Doing the apprenticeship with another colleague is just great. You start building new relationships with other departments which allows you to learn and share new things about different operations in the company.  New friendships that are so valuable.”

Not only has Viktorija continued her studies as an L5 Operations Department Manager, she is also a great mentor and inspiration to two of her team members who are now participating in the L3 Team Leader Supervisor Programme.

Andreea Solcoci reflects on having Viktorija as a leader and mentor: 

“Viktorija is an important asset of our department, and hotel in general. Viktorija was the one who was sharing her Umbrella experience with me - and the way she presented the apprenticeship journey motivated me to apply. 

“2021 was absolutely a hard year, busy operational days, and at some point I was thinking to give up the courses. I had a conversation with Viktorija and she told me: "You can always give up, it's crazy busy, you're tired - but this is temporary and if you continue the apprenticeship you'll get knowledge which will be with you forever.

“In that moment we created a plan how to recap and successfully complete the courses - she always has a plan!.  

“Viktorija is a manager and friend of mine. I was very happy when she was promoted, she really deserves this and as soon as she was promoted, she started working even harder and I'm really proud of her way of leading our team. Actually, she is everyone's friend - she delegates tasks fairly and ensures the work is done to the highest standard.

“If there will be one word to describe Viktorija, this will be "KIND.”

She may be kind but overseeing a team of over 80 staff and managing 250 suites and rooms including 182 individually designed guest bedrooms, 65 suites and three penthouse suites is not always easy.

Implementing Covid Regulations and playing her part in a major Renovation Project at The Dorchester she demonstrates how effective she is as a manager. What is her secret?

 “I have always loved working with people and whilst doing the apprenticeship I learned how to deal with some cases in a better way.”