A family-run Stokesley bistro is helping a local teenager get her career started by supporting her studies whilst she works full-time.
Megan Wilson has been working at Howard’s in Stokesley since August 2016 as part of the front of house team and is now developing her career.
Bosses at Howard’s noticed the 16-year-old’s potential and offered to support her through her level 2 hospitality apprenticeship at Middlesbrough College and are working with Hambleton District Council to provide funding for Megan’s training.
As part of her skills development, Megan is also training alongside Howards’ well known manager, Peter Holligon, who has worked at the bistro since it opened in 2008 having been in the industry working at a range of hotels and restaurants for over 30 years.
Megan, who attended Stokesley School, is training on site at Howard’s supported by Middlesbrough College in a variety of areas including hygiene, health and safety, team work and customer service.
Megan said: “I have worked with the team at Howard’s for quite a while now and it’s made me realise what I really want to do. I love the hospitality industry and the opportunities it offers. Working alongside Peter Holligon is a real learning experience which is further-boosted by my studies through Middlesbrough College which are proving hugely beneficial. It’s great to be able to work and study at the same time.”
Owner of Howard’s, Graham Howard, said: “We’re a small team but we do pride ourselves on encouraging young people into the industry and providing jobs for local people. Training provision is vital and it’s great to have the support of our local council and college who can help keep Megan on the right track.”
Howard’s employs a team of 15 local people and works with local schools and colleges to provide a range of apprenticeship opportunities for young people.
Howard’s was again awarded a five-star hygiene rating over the summer and also announced a new partnership with Rington’s, making it the only food and drink outlet in Stokesley to sell the popular ranges of teas and coffees.