12 years of being the CEO for Umbrella Training Ltd

Celebrating 12 Years of Excellence: Umbrella Training Ltd

As we mark the 12th anniversary of Umbrella Training Ltd, I wanted to take a moment to share a snapshot of our successes and reflect on this incredible journey. This milestone is not just a celebration of our longevity, but a testament to the impact we have made in the field of professional development and training.

Milestones and Achievements

Over the past 12 years, Umbrella Training Ltd has reached numerous milestones that highlight our growth and success:

• PRTA Wins: We are proud to have won the prestigious PRTA award twice, a recognition of our innovative training solutions and exceptional service.

• Awards and Accolades: Our dedication to quality and excellence has earned us several awards, reinforcing our position as a leader in the training industry.

• Hospitality Apprenticeships: We boast some of the highest achievement rates in hospitality apprenticeships, a testament to our effective training programmes and the hard work of our apprentices and trainers.

• Over 5000 Apprentices: We have worked with over 5000 apprentices, many of whom have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their careers.

Surviving the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenging time for everyone, and Umbrella Training Ltd was no exception. Despite the difficulties, our amazing team stood by our apprentices, providing constant support without pay for several hundred individuals. This unwavering commitment ensured that our apprentices could continue their training and development during an unprecedented time.

Building Lasting Relationships

Our success is built on the strong, long-lasting relationships we have cultivated within the hospitality industry and the Further Education (FE) world. These partnerships have been crucial in helping us deliver high-quality training and support to our clients. I am forever grateful for the trust and collaboration of our industry partners, which have been instrumental in our journey.

Giving Back to the Community

At Umbrella Training Ltd, we strongly believe in giving back to the community. We have consistently raised funds for Hospitality Action and Be Inclusive Hospitality, two charities that are close to our hearts. These organisations do incredible work to support individuals in the hospitality industry, and we are proud to contribute to their efforts.

2024: A Year of Additional Success

This year has been particularly momentous for us:

• Ofsted Grade GOOD: We received another Grade GOOD from Ofsted, reaffirming the high quality of our training programmes.

• Chartered Institute of FE: We became one of a handful of work-based providers to join the Chartered Institute of Further Education, a significant recognition of our commitment to excellence.

• Royal Academy of Culinary Arts: We are now associate members of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, further cementing our reputation in the hospitality sector.

• Award Nominations: We have been shortlisted for several prestigious awards, including the Learning Provider Awards for 2025.

Pioneering PARS

We were honoured to participate in the pilot for the Professional Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS). This initiative has been instrumental in shaping the future of apprenticeship recognition, ensuring high standards and consistent quality across apprenticeship programmes. The goals of PARS include supporting increased retention and achievement rates, enhancing employability, raising the parity of esteem for apprenticeships, and building awareness of the skills and impact apprentices bring to businesses.

Success Stories

One of our proudest moments is seeing our apprentices succeed. Take, for example, Adrian Kobek CHA, who joined us as a level 4 hospitality apprentice. Through hard work and the support of our training programmes, Adrian excelled in his role and quickly climbed the career ladder. Today, He is a successful manager, leading a team and inspiring others with his journey. Adrians story is just one of many that highlight the transformative power of our training programmes.

Celebrating Our Team

Our achievements would not have been possible without the incredible contributions of our team members, past, present, and future. Each member has played a vital role in shaping the success of our apprentices and business partners. I am particularly proud of our ex-colleagues who have continued their learning journey with us as an employer and have gone on to excel in their new positions. Their success is a testament to the strong foundation and support they received during their time with Umbrella Training Ltd.

Shaping Apprenticeship Standards

From the very beginning, Umbrella Training Ltd has been at the forefront of informing and shaping new apprenticeship standards. Our involvement has continued to make a significant impact, particularly in the evolution of hospitality apprenticeships. We are proud to have played a key role in developing standards that ensure apprentices receive the highest quality training and support. Notably, our work has been instrumental in saving the Concierge and Housekeeping specialities and developing the new Pastry Chef Level 3 apprenticeship with IFATE and with more exciting developments to come in 2025.

Leading the Industry

Our innovative approaches and pioneering initiatives have set the benchmark in the industry. We are honoured to see other providers look to us for inspiration, emulating our successful strategies and programmes. This recognition underscores our leadership and influence in the field of professional development.

Lessons Learned

Throughout our journey, we've learned several valuable lessons:

• Adaptability is Key: The ability to pivot quickly and embrace new technologies has been crucial, especially during the pandemic.

• The Power of Community: Building and nurturing strong relationships within our community has been essential for our success.

• Commitment to Quality: Maintaining high standards in our training programmes is non-negotiable and has helped us achieve high achievement rates.

• Resilience and Perseverance: Staying focused on our mission and supporting each other through challenges has been vital.

• The Importance of Giving Back: Supporting charitable causes has enriched our organisational culture and values.

• Innovation and Leadership: Leading by example and setting industry benchmarks has required continuous innovation and proactive thinking.

• Celebrating Successes: Recognising and celebrating our achievements has been crucial for morale and motivation.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we look forward to the future with excitement and optimism. We are committed to continuing our legacy of excellence, innovation, and impact. We will keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in professional development, always striving to provide the best for our clients.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey. Your support, trust, and collaboration have been invaluable. Here’s to many more years of success and growth together!

Happy 12th Anniversary, Umbrella Training Ltd!

Warm regards,

Adele Oxberry Founder and CEO, Umbrella Training Ltd