Country estate and college team up to train next generation of hospitality leaders

CARDEN Park country estate and Coleg Cambria have united to train and educate the next generation of hospitality leaders.

The Cheshire-based Estate – which includes an award-winning hotel, spa, and golf course – is working in partnership with Coleg Cambria as part of its innovative Management Trainee Programme.

Apprentices can achieve Level 2 and Level 3 Certificates in Licenced Hospitality Operations with the college – based in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop and Llysfasi – while gaining valuable experience, a competitive salary, professional support and mentoring and accommodation if required.

Kate Muddiman, Work-based Learning Manager at Coleg Cambria, said the opportunity to learn from staff at the luxury 1,000-acre site is proving very attractive with prospective candidates.

“There has been a lot of interest in the programme at a time when the industry is battling its way back from the pandemic,” said Kate.

“Confidence is growing in the hospitality industry and there are amazing career opportunities in this sector. We are honoured to have joined forces with Carden Park – one of the premier venues in the country – to help develop future hospitality managers.”

Her words were echoed by Becki Newton-Chesters, HR Manager at Carden Park.

“The Management Trainee Programme is something we are really proud of here at Carden Park, it helps to set the foundation of hospitality knowledge, insight and experience for those who wish to make it their career,” she said.

“Trainee managers on the course will experience all aspects of Carden Park, which then teamed with their qualifications delivered through Coleg Cambria complements practical knowledge with theoretical knowledge. 

“They are integral to our team, and we’re really excited to see them all continue to flourish as they move through the programme.”

Among the first learners to have joined the scheme are Elliot Scragg, 19, from Wrexham; Lauren Nicholls, 18, from Wrexham; Oscar Boulton, 20, from Chester; Niamh Roberts, 25, Ellesmere Port; Harry Walsh, 23, Chester, and Laura Thickens, 24, from Wrexham.

As a group they are enjoying the two-year placement and confident it will provide a springboard to their careers.

Elliot said: “It’s a lovely place to work and has been absolutely brilliant, really insightful and is giving us a taste of what a future in this industry would look like.”

Niamh added: “It’s very hands on and working in different departments gives you different training styles and a chance to grow in confidence, develop your skills and deal with real-life scenarios.”

Harry has worked for Carden Park for more than six years and would love to spend many more on the management side.

“Working in different areas of the business is amazing, from finance to marketing, events and more, the experience is invaluable and there is no better place to learn.”

Lauren added: “This is the perfect starting point for us, sharpening our skills at Carden Park while gaining a qualification from Coleg Cambria, who are here weekly to deliver the education side of the programme.

“We are all passionate about the industry and look forward to seeing what the future brings.”

As well as management trainees, Cambria also has learners on site in other areas, including greenkeeping and cookery.