Johnny Matthews
Graduate trainee manager North West
Johnny joined our graduate training scheme after gaining a first class honours degree from the University of
Hull. His passion for the industry developed from working for the company in his summer holidays.
What does your job involve?
It's about getting a better understanding of how all the departments in the hotel work, looking at the
relationships between them, and how they contribute to the success of the overall business. I'm given a
degree of independence in each department and am encouraged to contribute ideas. All the departments revolve
around our guests who are at the heart of my job.
What skills do you use most?
Communication. It's vital, whether verbal or written. In addition to everyday communication with both
guests and staff, Ive been the toastmaster at weddings and produced a DVD for our Conference rooms
to attract additional business. You've got to be flexible and be prepared to adapt when circumstances
change and you need to be numerate, as, believe me, you'll do a lot of counting!
What training have you undertaken?
You learn every day on this scheme and I've done a Wine & Spirits Appreciation Course, training on
Fidelio and Opera as well as training on Core Standards.
