Off to Work - The Training Team
Andrew Jones • Academy Manager
I believe that recognising individual strengths and weaknesses within a group dynamic can lead to the right bespoke service in any environment, whether behind a bar, in the field or behind a desk in the classroom. If staff or trainers are enjoying themselves and enthusiasm shines through then the benefits to guests or candidates is immeasurable. Now responsible for the Training Academy and all the courses Off To Work has to offer expect to see this passion at any of our sessions.
My Off To Work journey began in 2006 during my studies for a Biology degree. Returning to my native Birmingham for another long university summer seeking more varied work than my previous bar/restaurant jobs I came across Off To Work and variety is what I got!
From private celebrity parties and huge fashion industry cocktail events, to sports venues and international arenas I have developed a great passion for the events industry, managing events up and down the country.
Working through the ranks at Off to Work I have caught the training bug enjoying passing on my experiences, skills and enthusiasm to new starters, working hard to develop our recruitment and training systems and courses.
I am proud to present a wide range of courses at The Academy in London and Birmingham and look forward to developing the bespoke training facilities we offer across the country.
Charlene Musgrave • Training Academy Administrator
In the process of getting my MA in Media and Communication I began to do part time work in hospitality, which opened the doors to the different and exciting world of events. Working in the field led me after graduation into staffing and eventually recruitment with Off to Work in 2009. I am now part of the Academy making sure all courses run smoothly. I love the constant contact with students and helping in the maintenance of high standards within the industry.
I have worked in a range of roles in the hospitality industry for the last 13 years.
Starting out as a Cocktail bartender and working my way up the chain to venue manager, I spent time working in a variety of environments including live music venues, fine dining restaurants, style bars and nightclubs in London and in Leeds. During my time in Leeds I worked to champion bringing high quality cocktails to the high street chains and had this menu rolled out across multiple venues across the country.
I have developed cocktail menus for over 60 bars across the country and provide training at numerous venues, where I aim to bring high quality and passion to the playing field.
Currently teaching our Cocktail, Barista and Licensing law courses at the Off to Work Academy, I am responsible for ensuring our new staff have a good grip on beverage service.
I can often be found out on the field as well regularly working as a catering or beverage manager and also getting involved as often as possible with our bar and cocktail jobs. Recent roles include: Restaurant manager at the George Cohen fine dinning restaurant, Beverage manager for the FA club suite at Wembley stadium, and running cocktail bars for a diverse range of clients.
