First Management

Develop, grow and be the best leader you can be

Introduction

If you’ve led a team but haven’t seen your career take off, Whitbread is different. We offer fast-track development programmes and apprenticeships that let you learn on the job, build new skills, and move up through the management ranks in our hotels and restaurants.

Programmes

First Management Programmes

Progressing Into…

If you’re smashing it in your current role and ready to step up, this is for you.

Designed for ambitious people — whether you’re a Team Member, Duty Manager, Kitchen Team Leader, or Head Housekeeper — this programme is your fast track to your first or next leadership role.

Want to be an Assistant Hotel Manager, Kitchen Manager, or Housekeeping Manager? Or even a Hotel Manager? We’ll get you there. You’ll develop the technical and leadership skills needed to take that leap, with ongoing assessment to make sure you’re ready to shine when the time comes.

Hospitality Supervisor Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Ready to take more responsibility and lead from the front? This apprenticeship will sharpen your skills, teaching you how to support your management team, work independently, and confidently supervise your team on shift. You’ll learn how to thrive under pressure, deliver amazing guest experiences, and gain a nationally recognised qualification while doing it.

Hospitality Management Apprenticeship (Level 4)

For those who want to take their leadership skills to the next level. This apprenticeship is designed for team leaders or supervisors who want to develop their business know-how, people management skills, and ability to build strong customer relationships. If you’ve got a talent for management and a passion for hospitality, this programme is the perfect next step.

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Testimonials

Ready for the spotlight?

Find out more about Olly and Ella's journey.

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Ollie's story

See what Ollie had to say about taking his leadership journey to the next level.

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Ella's Story

Ella’s story highlights how Whitbread’s programme turns ambition into real career growth.

 

Why join us?

What's inn it for you?

  • Sharesave

    Want to own a piece of Whitbread? Our Sharesave scheme lets you save through your pay to buy shares at a discounted rate. Cash out when you want, or hold onto them and share in our success.

  • Stay active

    We’ve got your fitness covered with discounts on memberships at over 3,000 gyms across the UK, plus deals on health, sport, and fitness products.

  • Whitbread heroes

    We celebrate the amazing things our people do, from smashing their first year with us to going above and beyond every day. You bring the passion, and we’ll bring the recognition.

Portrait of Natalia, Team Member, Progressing Into First Management
Portrait of Keira, Duty Manager, Level 3 Food & Beverage
Portrait of Charlotte, Hotel Manager, Level 4
Portrait of Will, Site Manager, Progressing Into Site Management

"I am learning so much from guest relations to kitchen management, I am getting all the skills to become a Duty Manager. The best part is that there's a mixture of learning from online to face to face workshops."

Natalia Team Member, Progressing Into First Management

"I am really enjoying my apprenticeship, it's helped me achieve a lot. Learning about how to manage shifts and really understand my Maths so much better. I would recommend it."

Keira Duty Manager, Level 3 Food & Beverage

"I've completed two apprenticeships and now I am a Hotel Manager. I am so passionate about the opportunity an apprenticeship can provide I encourage my team to sign up."

Charlotte Hotel Manager, Level 4

"Without the support from my Regional Operations Manager I wouldn’t be where I am today. He saw something in me – that shy 17 year old Will – that others did not. He has guided me, nurtured me, and given me the freedom to lead, something I don’t think I would’ve got outside of Whitbread."

Will Site Manager, Progressing Into Site Management

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