Inn Cornwall Ltd

Inn Cornwall Ltd runs a variety of Truro and Penwith College Apprenticeship programmes that are engaging and motivating its workforce, reducing staff turnover, costs, improving customer service and instilling pride in helping the business succeed.

Mark Holden, Company Director at Inn Cornwall Ltd, knows first hand how beneficial Apprenticeships are: “I didn’t go to university, I started as a kitchen porter and now I’m a company director employing approximately 100 people.”

Inn Cornwall Ltd has worked in partnership with the College for many years offering a variety of Apprenticeships.

Mark feels the programmes work for people at all levels of the business and says his relationship with the College is; “excellent and has been extremely rewarding for both the employer and employees”.

Front of house, chefs, management, supervisors, and leadership roles are the bread and butter of Apprenticeship programmes according to Mark, but he is now looking to expand Apprenticeships into new areas like digital marketing and design to deliver new skills to his team.

Mark has found Apprenticeships contribute to having a highly skilled engaged and motivated workforce, reducing staff turnover and therefore costs and results in better customer service and a pride in helping the business succeed. Inn Cornwall Ltd runs a number of hospitality outlets across the county and has just celebrated being listed inside the UK Top 50 Apprenticeship Employers.

Mark commented: “Lots of our Apprentices have won awards, at county and national level, and inside the business. Many joined us at the start of their careers and are now leaders.”

Inn Cornwall Ltd’s hospitality business The Victoria Inn has just had its Apprentices’ results for 2023 and is on track for a 70% distinction rate. One of those to achieve a distinction is Truro and Penwith College Apprentice Will Dunstan.

Will has completed his Level 2 BIIAB Commis Chef Apprenticeship and is now continuing onto his Level 3 Chef de Partie course at the Victoria Inn. Commenting on his achievement Will said: “The Apprenticeship was great and impacted my life dramatically. It gave me the opportunity to increase my skills which meant I was promoted to third chef, a role in which I can apply what I learn on the job.”

Luke, Cerys and Aaliyah are all completing their Level 2 Hospitality Team Apprenticeship through Truro and Penwith College with the company and all three say ‘it has helped to boost their confidence and they are now looking forward to progressing further’, a perfect example of the excellence achieved between the College, employer and Apprentices.