THE Bolton Abbey Estate has launched a recruitment drive for desperately needed hospitality staff to work in its award winning restaurants, pubs and hotels across the north Yorkshire estate.

In an effort to attract candidates and highlight the exciting career opportunities on offer, a recruitment day is taking place on Wednesday, October 20 at the Devonshire Arms Hotel.

More than 20 full and part-time positions are available for immediate starts in Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, the Cavendish Pavilion and the Devonshire Fell, with the search on for chefs, as well as roles in serving, reception and housekeeping.

The recruitment drive follows the launch of a professional training academy to support new employees at Devonshire Hotels & Restaurants Group. The Devonshire Hospitality Academy will welcome its first students in autumn 2021 for its in-house training programme, which will lead to a recognised industry qualification at Level 2 Apprenticeship. On successful completion of the course, permanent full time jobs will automatically be offered.

Every attendee to the Recruitment Day will be guaranteed an interview with a member of the senior hospitality team with a range of short term part-time seasonal roles on offer to longer-term opportunities with for those looking to build a career.

Richard Palmer, Devonshire Hotels MD, is particularly interested in finding people looking to make a longer term commitment and take advantage of the 18-month industry recognised training programme on offer.

“The loss of the labour force from Europe and the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality sector being one of the last to re-open has created a ‘perfect storm’ impacting on our ability to recruit and find people with the right skills.

“We want to get across the message that they are lots of fantastic careers in hospitality and we can help support people to realise those aspirations. I’m an example of this as I actually started within the Hotels at Bolton Abbey as a waiter and am now heading up the hotels and restaurants group.

“We’re keen to hear from people who may be looking for a career change as well as those who may be starting out and looking for a job with excellent prospects.”

As well as Richard himself, the Devonshire Hotels & Restaurant team is full of inspiring stories of those who have worked their way up with the support and training on offer.

The acclaimed Burlington Restaurant is managed by James Adlington who started as a casual worker for the group just six years ago demonstrating the opportunity for rapid development for the right candidates.

Richard added: “As an employer, we strive for a professional yet friendly atmosphere that encourages our employees to be creative, contribute ideas and bring their own personality to the business. Continual reinvestment and open communication supports an environment in which each individual can develop their potential over a wide range of careers. It’s this level of dedication and passion that has culminated in the achievement of many internationally recognised accolades and high levels of employee and guest satisfaction.”

As well as the guaranteed interview, attendees will hear from the senior hospitality team about working on the Bolton Abbey Estate.

Anyone interested in finding out more is advised to register their interest with their preferred date and time slot as soon as possible as places are limited.

The recruitment day is on Wednesday October 20 between 3 and 4pm and 5and 6pm. Email hr@devonshiregroup.co.uk to register.