Sam Myhill, Payroll Assistant at Parkdean Resorts’ head office in Gosforth, is celebrating achieving a distinction grade for her HR Support Level 3 qualification – just in time for National Apprenticeship Week (10 – 16 February).

The 24-year-old joined the UK’s leading holiday park operator as a HR Support Assistant on an apprenticeship programme in March 2020. Since then, she has continued to upskill, achieving another distinction in 2021 for her Customer Service Practitioner qualification, and has flourished in her career with a series of promotions.

National Apprenticeship Week celebrates the value of apprenticeships in providing opportunities, developing skills, and growing careers for hardworking people like Sam.

Parkdean Resorts is one of 200 employer-providers in England and the only employer-provider in the Holiday Park sector, providing qualifications ranging from Level 2 to Level 5 – the equivalent of a Foundation Degree – to hundreds of employees every year. Apprenticeship programmes include the Leadership Academy, Maintenance Academy, and the recently revamped Kitchen Academy, all of which support employees in developing their knowledge, skills, and behaviours at all levels across the business.

Sam Myhill, Payroll Assistant at Parkdean Resorts, said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities and support I’ve received at Parkdean Resorts. Starting as an apprentice, I’ve been encouraged at every step to develop my skills and take on new challenges. Achieving my second distinction is a huge milestone for me, and I’m excited to continue growing with the company."

Paul Stevenson, Apprenticeships Principal at Parkdean Resorts, said: “Sam’s achievements are a testament to the impact of apprenticeships on personal and professional growth. At Parkdean Resorts, we’re committed to nurturing talent and offering clear development pathways to help our people succeed. Sam is a brilliant example of what’s possible with dedication and the right support."

This year Parkdean Resorts is boosting its commitment to nurturing new talent with the relaunch of its Kitchen Academy as Best in Kitchen. The updated apprenticeship program introduces three structured tiers for chefs at different experience levels, with set cohort enrolment and graduation dates, streamlining the approach to training and progression.