A Kenilworth pub has hired its first apprentice as it looks to encourage more young people to pursue careers in hospitality following the pandemic.

The Virgins & Castle on High Street has signed up Phoebe Hitchins, 19, from Coventry, as the 16th century pub's first apprentice.

The pub, which is run by award-winning hospitality group Caviar & Chips, has worked closely with the apprenticeships team at WCG to create the opportunity.

Phoebe's role is one of three apprenticeship positions at the pub that will be filled over the next couple of months, with roles also available front-of-house and in the kitchen.

The Virgins & Castle plans to continue working with WCG to recruit more apprentices in the near future.

Phoebe studied a three-year business course at Royal Leamington Spa College, which is part of WCG, before securing the apprenticeship with Caviar & Chips.

She said: "I'm hoping to develop my knowledge of the hospitality industry and all it entails during my apprenticeship.

"My experience so far has been great. I was welcomed in with open arms and it has been amazing for me.

"I chose the apprenticeship because it gave me a great opportunity to develop and learn what it truly takes to manage a pub in the modern hospitality world."

Committed to employing youth

Andy Lock, general manager at the Virgins & Castle said that bringing young people into hospitality was vital.

"We want to create great opportunities for young people and reverse the reputation of hospitality work being long, unsociable hours with sometimes challenging working relationships.

"Apprentices bring energy, enthusiasm and ideas, which is great for the business. Phoebe is already bringing new ideas to us and widening our outlook on how we should be doing certain things.

"It's easy to get stale and set in your ways in hospitality and bringing apprentices into your team is one way to avoid that happening, whilst also providing a great opportunity for a young person to learn crucial trade and social skills to support them in the future."

WCG offers a wide range of apprenticeships in a variety of industries. For more information visit the website here.