Training Academy Case Studies

I joined the team in 2009 as Commis Chef at Cragwood when a good friend and member of the Merewood Brigade recommended me for a role. Following level 3 training which I completed during my employment here, I reached Chef de Partie and then finally Pastry Chef, where I make all of my creations in a purpose-built pastry kitchen named Peaches Paradise! This is a really good, friendly place where you are able to have close access to the management team. I have learned so much because this company is like a school. You can move from Kitchen Porter to Chef, Front of House Assistant to Manager. There are so many opportunities if you want to develop and are prepared to work hard. I am so glad I came to work for this company. I even found myself a husband!

I started at Briery Wood Country House Hotel in the Spring of 2022, as a housekeeping assistant. I really enjoyed my time in the department but soon realised that I wanted a position where I was able to interact with guests on a more regular basis. When I approached the management team at the hotel, they were very supportive and I made my move to front of house soon after that, progressing to Supervisor and now Duty Manager. Working here has enabled me to live in my favourite part of the country and I have learnt over time, that having such a good work/life balance enables me to spend more time in nature which has been fantastic for my health. I’m looking forward to working with more great, passionate people and want to continue to grow within the company.

As part of my college course, it was required for me to complete 315 hours of work placement.

I chose to complete this at Lake District Country Hotels as the previous year they attended a talk at my school highlighting opportunities within the hospitality industry and at their group of hotels, which further led me to write my business coursework on the history of the hotels, and eager for me to learn more about how they operate. During my first placement I was given a chance to go to all three and work in each of the departments which I really enjoyed because I was able to try everything out and see what I liked. After that, I decided to do the rest of my placement in the wedding department at Merewood. I’ve loved learning all the different things that the team there do and being able to be part of so many people’s special days. I’m still trying to figure out what I’d like to do with my career but working in the wedding business is definitely something high on the list because of my work placements here.