Wakefield teenager Josh Williams is one of the youngest supervisors with the RedCat Pub Company and now he is an award winner as well.
The 19-year-old has been named Supervisor of the Year by the chain that runs more than 90 pubs across the country.
Josh works at The Damn Inn in Newmillerdam just a 20-minute walk from his home in Kettlethorpe where he grew up.
He started there almost three years ago after deciding to leave full-time education.
“I was studying Media, Film and Television at Wakefield College at the time but I wasn’t enjoying it,” said Josh.
A friend of his dad’s mentioned there was a waiter’s job going at The Dam Inn. Josh applied and has never looked back.
He said: “Almost straight away I started learning about being a supervisor ready for when I turned 18. I really loved it.”
Being a supervisor involves him guiding colleagues, looking after customers and making sure all runs smoothly.
“It’s really helped me grow a lot thanks to working with people who are older than me,” he said.
Josh is one of 16 people who work at the 18th Century pub on the outskirts of Wakefield.
“We are a great team, we all support each other and it all works very well,” he said.
Away from work they have taken part in a series of fund-raising activities in aid of Wakefield Hospice, including abseiling down Wakefield Cathedral.
Josh’s award was given for leading by example on every shift and supporting and inspiring his team.
Richard Lewis, CEO of the RedCat Pub Company, said it recognised a drive for excellence and making a real difference every day.
Josh was really surprised when he was announced as Supervisor of the Year.
“I really didn’t expect it but all my team were cheering around me and it was amazing,” he said.
Ends
Issued on behalf of RedCat by Rob Stokes for Nigel Heath of Media-Consult 07715 770 253