Bovey Castle on Dartmoor is launching The Bovey Academy for up to 12 new recruits, enrolling them on a 12-month talent programme that will also equip them with key life skills.
Every student who completes the programme is guaranteed a job, helping to launch their career pathway to more senior positions such as general manager, head chef, gardener or front-of-house leader.
The resort, part of the Stratford-upon-Avon-based Eden Hotel Collection, said as well as learning sector-based skills, the young people will also be taught financial wellbeing, confidence building, cyber security awareness and how to develop their emotional intelligence, among other topics.
While in the course they will also benefit from an industry-leading pay and benefits package.
The Academy will be combined with a number of formal training programmes, from Level 2 Hospitality Apprenticeships to a level 3 Spa Apprenticeship and many more across its 275-acre estate.
The Level 2 Hospitality Apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with accredited apprenticeship providers such as Exeter College, while the Level 3 Spa Apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with Cedars Health & Beauty Centre.
All apprenticeships will be on a 40-hour a week programme, offering starting salaries of £11.47 per hour – compared to the national apprenticeship pay rate of £7.55.
Students will either attend weekly college sessions or have a dedicated apprentice trainer at the resort, with apprenticeships providing bespoke, hands-on training and one-to-one support.
Hospitality apprenticeship students will begin by mastering food and beverage service before rotating through departments including reception, housekeeping and guest services.
The spa apprenticeship, meanwhile, will work towards a Level 3 qualification in Beauty, Wellbeing & Holistic Therapy, and will also be combined with Bovey’s talent programme.
Dean Gunston, general manager at Bovey Castle, said: “The Bovey Academy has been created to challenge outdated perceptions of the hospitality industry as merely a temporary or low-value career path, often associated with poor pay, long hours and limited growth.
“That view no longer reflects the reality of today’s exciting, fast-paced hospitality sector.
“We aim to show the next generation of talent the value of working in an environment where wellbeing is prioritised and every team member is truly valued. The modules offered, along with the mentorship provided, are designed to reinforce this ethos.”
Lisa Watson, Bovey Castle HR manager, added: “We have been developing a strong pipeline of talent in recent years – so much so that over the last three years we have retained 92% of our apprentices, while 86% of our learners have at least two years of service with us.
“The creation of The Bovey Academy enhances that apprenticeship experience even further, as not only will they learn the practical skills to thrive in hospitality from their trainer, but they will be supported by our own people in learning key life skills such as managing finances and building resilience that will stand them in good stead for general life.”
Originally opened as a hotel and golf resort in 1930 by Great Western Railways, Grade II* listed Bovey Castle today has 60 bedrooms and 22 self-catering lodges.
The five-strong Eden Hotel Collection also includes The Greenway Hotel and Spa, near Cheltenham.
Robert Buckland
