Visit www.besteleerbedrijfhoreca.nl for the latest information about the Best Hospitality Training Company competition.
On Thursday, 30 November 2023, SVH (Stichting Vakbekwaamheid hospitality), on behalf of the Best Hospitality Training Company committee, announced which training companies and mentors are in the Top 3 of the competition.
The training companies competing for the title of Best Hospitality Training Company 2023/2024 are, in alphabetical order:
- BRASA bar & kitchen, Purmerend
- Grand Hotel De Draak, Bergen op Zoom
- Restaurant Het Noorden van Aalten, Aalten
This year, the competition committee, consisting of representatives from SVH, SBB, KHN, FNV hospitality, the MBO Council, and previous winners ’t Havenmantsje and De Werf, had the delightful task of determining which training companies and mentors will reach the final at Horecava 2024.
The Top 10 best training companies were visited by the expert jury in recent weeks. In two hours, the training company was thoroughly examined regarding the culture and structure of learning and working. The expert jury literally got an extensive look in the kitchen. Naturally, the training plan and the vision on training were scrutinised. The results of the company visits were presented by the expert jury to the competition committee, after which the Top 3 was determined based on an objective score list.
The Top 3
BRASA, De Draak, and Het Noorden van Aalten distinguished themselves as the best training companies. During the jury visits, the companies stood out due to their structured and clear training vision, with an individual approach for each student. The assignments during the nomination round were also best executed by these companies.
Ricardo Eshuis, director of SVH and chairman of the competition committee: "It is not for nothing a competition. And in a competition, details often make the difference. In this edition of Best Hospitality Training Company, that is really applicable. If we had wanted, we could have also compiled a Top 6 of top training companies that blend working and learning so well. These companies are also all great employers. And that is what we are increasingly seeing: good employers invest in people and therefore also in learning. The training companies in the Top 3 excel in good collaboration with schools, participation in various industry activities, and have a lot of attention for the student as an individual. With this approach, these training companies make working in hospitality more attractive and prepare a new generation that is extremely enthusiastic about the profession."
Best Hospitality Mentor
The role of the mentor is also being highlighted again this year: they have a chance to win the title of Best Hospitality Mentor 2023/2024. The best mentor came into view during the expert jury's visits to the Top 10 training companies. This prize is intended for the mentor who stands out with his or her own qualities. The mentors who have a chance to win the title are, in alphabetical order:
- Christaan Veldman, De Draak, Bergen op Zoom
- Eelco Linckens, Van Rossum, Woerden
- Troy Snijder, De Heerenkeet, Kerkwerve
Final
The training companies in the Top 3 will be visited and assessed by the full competition committee on 12 December. After that, the outcome will be eagerly awaited. The winning training company and the winning mentor will be announced during the final at Horecava 2024.
Why this competition
"The competition is there to continue working with training companies on the very best practical training for new hospitality employees and to encourage training companies to keep improving themselves. Good mentors and training companies are invaluable in training a new generation. That is also the reason why SVH organises this competition on behalf of the industry. The competition contributes to the quality improvement of training in hospitality and provides insight into the key developments within training companies. This is good for the individual training companies and the sector as a whole. In the battle for the title, aspects such as: does a training company devote sufficient time and attention to students and provide a safe learning environment, with a good balance between work and learning?" said Eshuis.
More than 100 participants
The Best Hospitality Training Company competition is held annually and started in early September with the nomination and assignment round. Mentors, students, pupils, teachers, and staff from the hospitality sector could nominate their favourite training companies for the coveted title during this round. Nominated training companies then completed assignments to show why they deserve the title. This year, over 100 training companies were nominated for this competition. The full list of recognised training companies nominated for the title of Best Hospitality Training Company 2023/2024 can be seen in the ranking.
Previous winners of Best Hospitality Training Company
- 2022/2023: De Werf in Veere
- 2019/2020: 't Havenmantsje in Harlingen
- 2018/2019: Van der Valk Hotel Sassenheim-Leiden
- 2017/2018: Het Hooihuis in Roosendaal
- 2016: DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station
- 2015: Vroeg in Bunnik
- 2014: Stempels Haarlem
- 2013: Hotel Greenside Texel
- 2012: McDonald’s Nederweert
- 2011: Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel
- 2010: Golden Tulip Tjaarda Oranjewoud
- 2009: Conferentiehotel Willibrordhaeghe in Deurne
- 2008: Restaurant Smits Koffiehuis in Amsterdam
- 2007: Landgoed De Wilmersberg in De Lutte
Previous winners of Best Hospitality Mentor
- 2022/2023: Mark Benneker from 't Kruisselt in De Lutte
- 2019/2020: Nita Huning-Koster from Het Noorden van Aalten