Paprika Club Restaurant offers modern and classic Indian dishes in a contemporary environment. Based in the heart of Leamington Spa it is popular with both tourists and locals.

Gateway Training contacted Shamim Uddin from Paprika Club Restaurant to tell him about the fully funded, high quality, training solutions that they offer through Skills Support for the Workforce. He was keen to take up this opportunity as he could see the added value to his business; the team could acquire new skills, therefore increasing their contribution to the restaurant through improved service and increased confidence. 

Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) is a programme developed to upskill employees within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SSW provides recognised accredited qualifications and bespoke training courses to enhance employees’ skills, increase the competitiveness of businesses and boost the local economy. Gateway Training is part of Serco’s network of expert organisations chosen to deliver the SSW programme on behalf of Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). SSW is co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

Gateway Training undertook a Training Needs Analysis for Paprika Club Restaurant to help them understand their requirements and identify the skills gaps within the restaurant. The key focus was to develop staff knowledge in the food and beverage area as well as customer service training, as they cater for an affluent clientele with high expectations. 

Paprika Club Restaurant staff took the Food and Beverage Diploma as well as some Customer Service units.  Gateway provided flexible training at the premises and took into consideration the specific needs of the restaurant, avoiding busy periods to minimise disruption. The trainer was very understanding and gave Paprika Club Restaurant staff all the help and encouragement they needed to complete the qualification.

Shamim Uddin from Paprika Club Restaurant said: 

“The training has helped to develop the knowledge and understanding of staff and some of them have already taken on extra responsibilities while others are starting additional higher level courses. Our level of service has improved and our customers are noticing the difference.”

To find out about accessing fully funded training for employees through the Skills Support for the Workforce programme, businesses can contact skillssupport@serco.com.