Essex’s hospitality leader has the Edge

Andrew Boer, Principal of Edge Hotel School, has picked up a top hospitality award recognising his consistent commitment to industry-engaged training.

Andrew took home the Education and Training Award, for which he was previously shortlisted in 2017, at the 2019 Catey Awards, an annual ceremony hosted by The Caterer magazine. 

Judge David McKown praised Andrew for his “outstanding example of collaboration to promote careers in our industry.”

In the Cateys award citation Andrew was praised for raising the profile of industry-engaged training. At Edge, students learn on the job in Wivenhoe House hotel, are trained by industry leaders, and volunteer at events such as the Master Innholders’ general managers’ conference and the BRIT awards.

Andrew said: "This award celebrates the fantastic achievements of Edge Hotel School over the past seven years.

"The number of undergraduates continues to grow and they are inspired by the success stories of our graduates who are superb ambassadors."

In the last four years as Principal of Edge, Andrew has gained a national profile actively promoting the School’s accelerated learning opportunities and on-the-job training. 

He has given presentations and evidence to a number of policy forums including the Education and Employers Conference at the Department of Business; Innovation and Skills and to the Cross-Party Policy meeting on Higher Education at the House of Commons.