Students bring skills to one of county’s finest hotels

An historic Nottinghamshire hotel welcomed a new workforce this spring as students from West Nottinghamshire College took over the kitchens, bars, restaurants and spa for a week.

The ‘hotel take-over’ forms part of an annual project for students to gain real-life work experience at the Grade 1 listed Thoresby Hall Hotel and Spa.

In the lead up to the Easter break, more than 35 catering, hospitality, beauty therapy and construction students from the college immersed themselves in a variety of roles, coached by the hotel’s team of supervisors and team leaders in the different departments within the 221-bedroomed hotel.

Working on a realistic shift-basis on a range of the industry’s roles, students gained valuable, practical experience of working within a large, fully operational hotel to complement their college-based training.

The students, who are on a range of courses such as the Advanced Diploma in Professional Cookery, the Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership, and the Intermediate Diploma in Food and Beverage Service, took up positions as chefs, front-of-house staff, grounds and maintenance operatives to provide them with additional skills in the industry, as well as inspiration for their future career choices.

Students Ellie Gregory and Isobel Stones from the Level 3 Beauty Therapy programme spent time working alongside guests in the hotel’s spa and pool, while joinery students Choi Wong and Michael Commins-Nash shadowed members of the hotel’s maintenance team undertaking tasks such as changing locks, repairing damaged doors and cupboards, and maintaining light fittings and appliances.

Isobel Stones, 17, said: “We’ve enjoyed working on manicures and pedicures and we’ve been able to watch some facials being performed. We’ve also helped with updating the product stock levels and a little bit of reception work while learning all about the hotel.

“It’s been a real eye -opener working in such a large establishment with so many clients coming in throughout the day. The staff have been very thorough explaining how they perform the treatments and the techniques they use. This has helped me with my confidence when it comes to applying for jobs in large organisations.”

Level 2 hospitality student Chloe Wright, 17, took on a dual role throughout the week as she worked both on the hotel’s grounds and gardens as well as in the bar on food and drinks service.  She said: “It was a bit scary at first, but I soon got used to it and it was brilliant to be able to experience two very different areas of the hotel. This week has really benefitted me in giving me the confidence in learning how to use different catering equipment.”

Chloe served a regular guest the hotel, Mr Andrew Smith, who said: “It’s great that these students get this chance to work in this way. We come to the hotel every year, so I’ve seen young people from the same college, and they are really impressive in their work and their mannerisms. Friends of mine visit the college’s restaurant who always say how wonderful the meals and students are, so it’s clear they’re being trained very well.”

Level 2 Hospitality Supervision and Leadership student, Kieran Sime, 18, spent his week working on the reception desk where he received guest bookings, registered guests with their room cards, as well as booking activities and dining experiences for people.

He said: “It’s certainly a very busy role, but I’ve found it really interesting, and I’ve enjoyed my time.  I particularly like solving problems for the guests as that gives me job satisfaction. 

“On my first day here, I actually did a double shift. I worked so well in the morning so I asked if I could stay on to do the evening shift, which meant I worked from 8am until 8pm – it was great. I want to be a hotel receptionist in the future, so this experience has been perfect for me to extend my skills.”

Budding chefs Angel Castledine, 16 and Seven Mitchell, 19, had the opportunity to work with different foods in the Sherwood Restaurant and kitchens where they experienced what it’s like to produce bulk orders for lots of people.

Seven said: “There are a lot more customers coming through just this one restaurant than the college restaurant so there are many covers to cook for, and the machinery is a lot bigger than in the college’s kitchens.

“All the staff have been so helpful in telling us the right ways to work and the correct equipment to use as well as the methods they use. I’ve really enjoyed making pancakes and omelettes and the huge amount of prawn crackers for the evening Chinese meal.”

Head of health, education and service industries, Helen Wilcockson, said: “Yet another successful take-over at the hotel has given both me and the tutors immense pride.

“We’ve seen students who came here last year for experience simply throw themselves confidently back into roles which they enjoyed previously, as well as newcomers who have grown in confidence in just a few short days.

“You really can’t underestimate the benefits of enabling our students to experience working in an environment such as this – it’s a real privilege and we’re grateful to staff at Thoresby for continuing to provide this valuable yearly project.

“Everyone has immersed themselves whole-heartedly in this unique work opportunity and done so with huge respect and professionalism.”

Thoresby Hall Hotel’s general manager, Claire Fletcher said: “We're delighted to welcome the students from West Nottinghamshire College back to Thoresby Hall Hotel again this year. Providing hands-on work experience in a real hotel environment is invaluable for their education and career development.

“It's been a pleasure having them take on roles across all departments of the hotel. They've shown great enthusiasm, professionalism, and a willingness to learn from our experienced team members. Initiatives like this help develop the next generation of hospitality talent. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the college in the years ahead."