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Meet Andy Womble, one of the Hospitality Tutors in The Source Work Based Learning Team. Andy delivers hospitality qualifications to hotels, restaurants and cafes across the UK, putting his Hospitality experience to good use. This month, our roving reporter quiz's Andy on what he loves most about his role and what he is most looking forward to this Christmas.
So Andy, tell us a little more about your role at The Source...
I work across South Yorkshire delivering NVQ's and Diploma's in the workplace to people working in hotels, restaurants, pubs/bars and conference centres. The Source also recently established a contract with Caffe Nero to deliver management and team leading qualifications. At present I tutor at Caffe Nero's in Lincoln, Stockport, Altrincham, Sale and Stoke.
What is your experience in the Hospitality industry?
I virtually grew up in hospitality as my family have owned a hotel since 1964. I think I must have pulled my first pint when I was in infant school!
I started working in the hotel properly when I was 14 to earn a bit of pocket money. I worked in all areas of the hotel, from the kitchen to making beds which helped me gain skills in all areas of hospitality. At 18 I was given management experience and started to take part in the running of the hotel. I then decided at 21 to enrol at Sheffield Hallam University on a four year course in Hospitality and Business Management, this allowed me to explore the hospitality industry properly in Sheffield, particularly The Frog and Parrot and Nursery Tavern public houses! In all seriousness, the degree gave me a greater understanding of hospitality and allowed me to work with highly respected people within the industry and helped me put theory into practice.
I left with my degree in 2005 and went back to help the family business. I helped put in place new ideas, procedures and good working practices that allow the hotel to continue being an ‘independent family run hotel' in a time when the big chains are saturating the market.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the mix of people that I get to meet every day and it's great to still be working in the hospitality industry. One of the highlights of my job is helping people that previously had opportunities denied to them, improving their skills and most importantly their confidence.
Who are some of the clients you work with?
Magna, Hellaby Hall, Champs Sports bar, Tankersley Manor, Sheffield Wednesday Football Club (unfortunately)...........
Do you have any interesting hobbies and interests?
I have always loved sport. My love affair with Sheffield United Football Club has cost me a lot of money and ruined quite a few days that were going very well until the game actually kicked off and I realised my team are completely rubbish!
I've also been lucky enough to travel to a few places; the best has to be when three of my mates and I drove across America from New York to San Francisco (six thousand miles). My main love though is Music. I could bore people to death if I got started on Music - so I won't.
And the million dollar question for December... What are you most looking forward to this Christmas?
The usual stuff. Going out with my mates, eating good food, spending some time with my girlfriend as she lives away at the moment, although if my mates ever read that I'd never live it down!
