Destination Europe is actively searching to recruit a London-based dynamic and enthusiastic Project Assistant to support in the delivery of work placement projects in the UK for French apprentices within the Hotel and Catering sector.  Such vocational training projects last between 2 weeks and 12 months.  Each year, Destination Europe selects, prepares, coaches and mentors 200 + young French professionals (aged 16 - 21) within the framework of their individual projects.  Many of these projects take place in London.  However, there will also be a requirement to attend training and team meetings in Nottingham throughout your employment.
Following your induction and a 2-week training programme, specifically designed to provide you with the necessary knowledge and methodologies to excel in your new role, you will work within a team of 5 Project Assistants.  You will be tasked with the responsibility of supporting your own respective group of long-term work placement participants, throughout the year, as well as assisting with the management of multiple short-term groups between January and June.
Reporting to a Senior Project Manager, you will play a key role in preparing groups of participants on their arrival in the UK, before ensuring that they have the most rewarding and fulfilling experience possible throughout their individual projects, thereafter.
Job responsibilities:

Welcoming and informing project participants on their arrival in the UK.
Preparing participants for their individual placements.
Providing support in sourcing accommodation, opening bank accounts, familiarising participants with local transport links, and introducing them to the companies in which they will train.
Leading participants on discovery trips, designed to introduce them to the cultural, architectural and gastronomic heritage of the UK.
Ensuring that all supporting administrative documentation is prepared correctly in advance and signed-off in a timely manner.
Coaching work placement participants towards the successful completion of their individual projects.
Mediating and resolving all professional and/or personal problems faced by project participants that may arise, including those that may occur outside office hours.
Providing regular face-to-face and individually tailored support to work placement participants and ‘host’ companies alike.
Providing written feedback for participants regarding their professional performance and development throughout their projects.
Recording conclusions drawn from meetings and noteworthy feedback from host companies/participants in the database provided for that purpose.
Building and maintaining trustworthy, professional relationships with the companies and young professionals with whom you work.

Benefits:

Comprehensive training to understand and meet the requirements of the role.
Support and assistance from senior staff to help your development.
Working with prestigious and respected artisan companies across the Hotel and Catering sector.
Holiday allowance above the statutory minimum, increasing with time.
Additional time off, for work completed at the weekend when required.
A competitive basic salary + annual bonus scheme, increasing with time.
Unlimited travel card for TFL network worth circa £2250 PA.
Mac Book and unlimited telecoms provided.
Company Commercial Card to cover all professional and travel expenses.
Opportunity to join a growing organisation which operates with integrity and human values at its core.
Industry discovery placements.
Team meals, drinks and social events.
Possibility of further training and evolution towards positions of Trainee Project Manager, then Project Manager for Project Assistants who thrive in their role.

Please do not apply for this position if your profile does not meet the following ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to understand, manage, coach and mentor young adults from a wide variety of different backgrounds.
An outgoing personality that finds reward in helping others.
Willingness to travel to regularly to Destination Europe’s head office in Nottingham.
Resilience to a high work load
Commitment to working some evenings and weekends when required.
Competent use of IT packages and messaging app’s.
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent organisationalskills
Excellent verbal and written English language skills.
Fluent French language skills
Overseas life/study/work experience
A genuine interest in the food and drinks industry.
Tenacity and proven track record
Ability to multitask and identify priorities.
Availability to begin work in September 2022
EU citizen with valid driving licence
Ability to write a concise covering letter to explain why you are well suited to this position.

Additional Desired Requirements:

Previous experience in a similar role
Noteworthy experience in the Hotel and Catering Industry.
Degree level study including French and/or English language studies.