Thai Leisure Group launches management academy with HIT Training

Training launch nurtures internal talent

Thai Leisure Group launches management academy with HIT Training

Thai Leisure Group, the operator of restaurant brands Thaikhun and Chaophraya, has today announced the launch of a dedicated apprenticeship programme aimed at formalising training for its business managers.

The industry leading UK restaurant group has joined forces with HIT Training – the expert training provider in the hospitality industry – to establish the course, which has been named Suksaa, after the Thai word for learning.

Initially supporting managers from across England and Scotland, Suksaa has been tailored-made by HIT to align with the specific needs and unique culture of the Thai Leisure Group, helping to drive value for the business.

The apprentices will undertake a Level 4 Hospitality Manager Apprenticeship, gaining valuable insight into wider group operations and equipping them with expert business, people and customer relations skills.

Each apprentice will be mentored by a member of the group’s senior leadership team and will attend workshops at Thai Leisure Group restaurants across the UK, plus a final session in Bangkok, helping to capture the essence of the country that inspires the group.

James Hacon, Group Brand Strategy Director at Thai Leisure Group, said: “As we grow and evolve as a business, retaining and reinforcing our culture, as well as offering clear career progression for our employees, have become increasingly important for us. We are immensely proud that currently over 80% of our business managers have been recruited internally and we are dedicated to providing them with the bespoke training they need to grow as individuals and step up within the business.

“We’re delighted to be working with HIT as our training provider of choice. They completely get our business and understand the importance of embedding our culture throughout all training. They will also be helping us to roll out chef and front of house training programmes soon.”

Jill Whittaker, Managing Director at HIT Training, commented: “Hospitality managers have a high-level of responsibility and are accountable for fulfilling a business’ vision and objectives. By working closely with Thai Leisure Group, we have crafted a training programme which not only provides apprentices with the core industry skills and confidence they need to deliver on these responsibilities but also an in-depth understanding of the group’s ethos and values. These are very exciting times for Thai Leisure Group and we’re proud to be supporting them to develop their talent and grow their business.”

The Suksaa course will be a key initiative for Thai Leisure Group’s strategic investment in training for 2018, which will also see staff benefit from improved e-learning, on-site trainers and ongoing product knowledge sessions.