Local small business celebrates apprenticeship success

As Live at the Lodge took on The Wycliffe Rooms in March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic put them on a rocky start. However, through hard work and a strong team in place, they have been able to go from strength to strength.

One key element that supported their growth was the Kickstart scheme. This was a UK government scheme that funded six-month work placements during the Covid-19 pandemic, to support young people to gain valuable work experience and skills during a time of uncertainty in the labour market. Live at the Lodge didn’t think they were in a position to take on more staff but with the help of the scheme, they were able to take on two placements.

Harborough District Council acted as a gateway to this scheme for small employers in the area, ensuring employers and young people in the district were able to benefit from this scheme, including Live at the Lodge.

Live at the Lodge are now celebrating one of those placements, Jamie, who has gone on to achieve a distinction in his apprenticeship.

After starting his journey in this business in April 2021, Jamie completed his six-month placement and became a valued member of the team. Live at the Lodge operate the Wycliffe Rooms which involves running the café and delivering a range of events at the venue including comedy clubs, tribute nights, seasonal events and more. His role was to support the events side of the business and assist in the café.

Live at the Lodge decided to take Jamie on as an apprentice to continue his professional development and to give him an official qualification. In August 2023, Jamie completed his apprenticeship and achieved a distinction grade in Event Management.

Harborough District Council supported the business through this process by providing advice and information to set up the apprenticeship. It was also able to provide funding which was offered to all kickstart employers under the council’s kickstart gateway, to encourage employers to take their placements on as apprenticeships.

Live at the Lodge said: “Jamie has been an invaluable member of the team since he started with us on the Kickstart scheme; keen to learn and grasp every opportunity. We were incredibly lucky to find him with the support of Harborough District Council, and his distinction grade is a culmination of over two years of hard work and determination.

Jamie said: “I’m so pleased to have been given the opportunity to study for this qualification and recognise the stepping stone this gives me to progress in my future career.”

If you would like to find out more about apprenticeships, please look at the links below, or get in touch with the Harborough District Council’s Economic Development team. Email business@harborough.gov.uk