HIT Heroes

Unmasking talent in the hospitality
and retail industry

Celebrating the Heroes of Apprenticeships

Welcome to the HIT Training Heroes Awards – where we celebrate the exceptional apprentices and employers shaping the future of hospitality and retail.

Every month, our local teams honour individuals and employers who bring energy, creativity, and leadership to their apprenticeships and workplaces. These awards spotlight the real stories behind the qualifications – recognising those who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding service, inspire others, and drive positive change in their industries.

To become a HIT Training Hero, learners and employers must be nominated by their local HIT Training team – a true mark of excellence and impact.

Giving Back Through Recognition

Every recognised Hero chooses a charity to receive a £10 donation. These small acts of kindness add up – creating real impact in communities across the UK.

Our Charities

Supporting young people into careers in hospitality, leisure and tourism through education and training.

Learn more

Only a Pavement Away is a charity founded by representatives from the hospitality industry who believe that everyone deserves the chance to find and forge a career.

Learn more

Launched in May 2019 The Burnt Chef Project was setup with the sole intention of eradicating mental health stigma within hospitality.

Learn more

So far we have raised:

£330

Hall of fame

Meet the Heroes – learners and employers recognised for their dedication, passion, and impact.

Roll over cards to view more details

Filter:

Learner

Employer

Employer

Kyle Quinn

Culinary

Region

South

Kyle Quinn's Story

Recognising Kyle Quinell for his outstanding support of learner Guy, a 17-year-old in his first role since leaving school. Thanks to Kyle’s dedication, Guy is on track to complete his apprenticeship on time at the end of September.
Employer

Ben Gibbons

Hospitality

Region

South

Ben Gibbons's Story

Ben has had a number of apprentices on program and also encourages progression as well. Ben is extremely committed to providing the best experiences for his apprentices.
Learner

Gary Boundary

Hospitality

Region

Midlands

Gary Boundary's Story

A proactive and dedicated learner, Gary consistently completes his work to a high standard and goes above and beyond with personal research.
Learner

Lawson Bloom

Hospitality

Region

South

Lawson Bloom's Story

With the support of our specialist SENDCo team, Lawson’s determination has never wavered. He’s building his portfolio, growing in confidence and proving that passion and perseverance lead to success. His hard work has been recognised as he’s been named Learner of the Month by the Chilterns team!
Employer

Joe Taylor

Hospitality

Region

South East

Joe Taylor's Story

Joe at The Gub Pub is always ready to help any and all of their learners. They are always working hard to upskill, giving them opportunities to expand their knowledge, skills or behaviours.
Employer

Daisy Hunnisett

Hospitality

Region

South East

Daisy Hunnisett's Story

A huge milestone for Daisy was her achievement in Functional Skills: starting at Entry Level 3, she has successfully PASSED Level 2 Maths - a remarkable accomplishment!
Employer

Laura Shakeshaft

Hospitality

Region

North East

Laura Shakeshaft's Story

Laura represent everything apprenticeships are about - dedication, support, and a shared passion for success. Her unwavering commitment, encouragement, and care ensure her team feel supported not only in their work but also in their personal growth.
Learner

Sophie Maltby

Hospitality

Region

South

Sophie Maltby's Story

Since starting her apprenticeship in January 2025, Sophie has been an exemplary learner - consistently engaged, highly motivated, and excelling in her front-of-house role at this much-loved venue.
Learner

Cara Evans

Hospitality

Region

South West

Cara Evans's Story

Cara has developed at remarkable pace, building confidence, taking on increasing responsibility, and quickly becoming a vital presence within the organisation.

12 Next

Learner

Gary Boundary

Hospitality

Region

Midlands

Gary Boundary's Story

A proactive and dedicated learner, Gary consistently completes his work to a high standard and goes above and beyond with personal research.
Learner

Lawson Bloom

Hospitality

Region

South

Lawson Bloom's Story

With the support of our specialist SENDCo team, Lawson’s determination has never wavered. He’s building his portfolio, growing in confidence and proving that passion and perseverance lead to success. His hard work has been recognised as he’s been named Learner of the Month by the Chilterns team!
Learner

Sophie Maltby

Hospitality

Region

South

Sophie Maltby's Story

Since starting her apprenticeship in January 2025, Sophie has been an exemplary learner - consistently engaged, highly motivated, and excelling in her front-of-house role at this much-loved venue.
Learner

Cara Evans

Hospitality

Region

South West

Cara Evans's Story

Cara has developed at remarkable pace, building confidence, taking on increasing responsibility, and quickly becoming a vital presence within the organisation.
Learner

Keegan Swann

Hospitality

Region

South East

Keegan Swann's Story

Throughout his apprenticeship Keegan has shown outstanding commitment - always submitting work on time, embracing feedback and seizing every opportunity to develop.
Learner

Charley Buttress

Hospitality

Region

South West

Charley Buttress's Story

From managing stock and ordering to supporting functions and helping interview new team members, Charley has remained a steady and respected presence in her workplace. She has continued to engage with her apprenticeship, diligently working on her portfolio and expanding her skills.
Learner

Sky Wall

Hospitality

Region

South

Sky Wall's Story

Sky's big milestone was achieved when she attended her Speaking & Listening exam, where, as the youngest participant, she gave a fantastic presentation about her art with amazing confidence and passion.
Learner

Ben Hargreaves

Hospitality

Region

Midlands

Ben Hargreaves's Story

Ben is an advocate for apprenticeships. Ben has supported his team and developed their talent through continuing to give them the opportunity to achieve an apprenticeship.
Learner

Emilijus Kregzde

Hospitality

Region

North East

Emilijus Kregzde's Story

Despite English not being his first language, Emilijus has successfully achieved English Level 2 alongside completing a challenging Level 4 Senior Culinary Chef apprenticeship. He has attended every session, completed all tasks on time, and has built an impressive portfolio.

Employer

Kyle Quinn

Culinary

Region

South

Kyle Quinn's Story

Recognising Kyle Quinell for his outstanding support of learner Guy, a 17-year-old in his first role since leaving school. Thanks to Kyle’s dedication, Guy is on track to complete his apprenticeship on time at the end of September.
Employer

Ben Gibbons

Hospitality

Region

South

Ben Gibbons's Story

Ben has had a number of apprentices on program and also encourages progression as well. Ben is extremely committed to providing the best experiences for his apprentices.
Employer

Joe Taylor

Hospitality

Region

South East

Joe Taylor's Story

Joe at The Gub Pub is always ready to help any and all of their learners. They are always working hard to upskill, giving them opportunities to expand their knowledge, skills or behaviours.
Employer

Daisy Hunnisett

Hospitality

Region

South East

Daisy Hunnisett's Story

A huge milestone for Daisy was her achievement in Functional Skills: starting at Entry Level 3, she has successfully PASSED Level 2 Maths - a remarkable accomplishment!
Employer

Laura Shakeshaft

Hospitality

Region

North East

Laura Shakeshaft's Story

Laura represent everything apprenticeships are about - dedication, support, and a shared passion for success. Her unwavering commitment, encouragement, and care ensure her team feel supported not only in their work but also in their personal growth.
Employer

Damian Griffiths

Hospitality

Region

South West

Damian Griffiths's Story

Damian is a passionate champion of apprenticeships, ensuring his team have meaningful opportunities to learn, progress and build confidence. He supports learners at every stage accommodating their needs and celebrates their achievements.
Employer

Banks Restaurant

Hospitality

Region

South

Banks Restaurant's Story

Head Chef Mitch puts on an "apprentice menu" every other Thursday night so that Banks' Restaurant apprentices can practice dishes for their Apprenticeship.
Employer

RAF Shawbury (Compass)

Hospitality

Region

West Midlands

RAF Shawbury (Compass)'s Story

The support that RAF Shawsbury (Compass) offer apprentices is next level, and have a long standing relationship with HIT.
Employer

St Monica Trust

Hospitality

Region

South West

St Monica Trust's Story

St Monica’s Trust is a leading organisation recognised for its dedicated staff who go above and beyond to create meaningful relationships with residents and customers.

The Trust has truly embraced apprenticeships at every level - from foundation programmes to higher qualifications in Health & Social Care, Business Administration, Operations Management and Hospitality. Their commitment is clear, not only in the consistent support given to apprentices but also in the way they have championed apprenticeships to senior management, highlighting the lasting value of ongoing training and development.