A BAR boss from Blackburn raised a toast to her employer after combining her work with an apprenticeship.

Stephanie Franks, who is the general manager of the Boddington Arms Fayre and Square pub in the Ribble Valley, has earned a qualification after 15 months of intense training.

Her Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management was one of 19 awards handed out by Spirit Pub Company at a special ceremony earlier this month.

The firm aims to graduate 2,000 people through its apprenticeship programme in the next six months.

Ms Franks received recognition from Christina Stone, business development manager at Pearson’s Awarding Body, for her impressive work at the venue in Myerscough Smithy Road, Balderstone.

She said: “The apprenticeship has been a fantastic learning experience. It taught me how to confidently lead meetings, proactively create a sales plan and manage teams effectively.

“I hope to continue applying my learning to do some fantastic things and remain top of our game and in the hearts of our guests.”

Ms Franks’ learning was achieved through workshops, self-study, distance learning and assignments.

Many of the vocational elements of the programme are embedded into day-to-day duties that count towards the qualification, which is worth the equivalent of two A-levels.

Mark Peters, head of learning and development at Spirit, said he was proud his team had been recognised.

He added: “Spirit’s apprenticeship programme was created to provide a clear career pathway for those working in the hospitality sector and offer an alternative to university for those keen to progress through a vocational route.

“We are proud to recognise our team members that have undertaken apprenticeships.

“It takes commitment, dedication and determination to complete an apprenticeship and Stephanie has shown that they have what it takes to progress.”