THE Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants Group is launching a professional training academy this autumn, to support new employees, of all age groups, in the development of their hospitality careers.

The Devonshire Hospitality Academy is an in-house training programme, which will lead to a recognised industry qualification at Level 2 Apprenticeship.

Richard Palmer, managing director of the Group said: “This is a particularly exciting project for me, and the hospitality industry and the opportunities it presents is an area for which I have such passion. The key message from me is that this is an invitation to gain invaluable life skills, which are transferable to many aspects of the hospitality industry, and beyond – for example, I know ex chefs who are now hotel managers, working as head of innovation, and MDs of foodservice companies. This grassroots approach is a viable and dynamic alternative to the traditional college route.

“I relate to this with personal experience, having started out my own career as a bar attendant at The Devonshire Brasserie. By age 21, I was managing a £1m turnover business and 25 staff, and by my mid 30s I became the Group’s MD. There are now a wealth of opportunities for people from all walks of life, who are ready to apply themselves and are eager to learn and develop. For those wanting to go to the top, we offer training right through to MBA level.”

The new development is a direct response to a growing trend over recent years and heightened by the pandemic, where there has been resistance to entering the hospitality industry, and to gaining qualifications via the traditional college route system. Crucially, the Academy route offers the guarantee of a promotion to a permanent full-time role, upon successful completion of the course.

Places will be awarded to staff starting full time hospitality roles at all businesses throughout the Group’s portfolio, across both the Chatsworth and Bolton Abbey Estates.

More information at: www.devonshirehotels.co.uk/academy