THE Devonshire Hotels and Restaurant Group is currently recruiting a further intake for its hospitality academy, starting in March.

In addition, two recruitment fares will take place at the end of January, one at The Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa, in Bolton Abbey, and the other at The Cavendish Hotel in Baslow.

Initially launched last October, the 18-month hospitality academy programme, supported by HIT Training, has proved to be a tremendous success for the group - one of the UK’s leading hospitality businesses, whose properties include hotels, inns and cottages on the Bolton Abbey Estate in the Yorkshire Dales and the Chatsworth Estate in the Peak District.

Eight recruits took part in the initial training and all are now flourishing in their new roles and enjoying the varied courses of study, which have included social media training, a Cheshire Catering College skills course on vegetable proteins and a food photography session. Planned sessions include foraging on the estates and a Masterchef-style competition.

For the next academy course, starting in March, The Devonshire Group aims to attract ‘front of house’ personnel, including housekeeping, bar tenders, waiting staff and receptionists.

Richard Palmer, himself once a local pupil and now managing director of The Devonshire Group, will introduce the participating schools at an assembly address.

He said: “The last couple of years has certainly been a challenging time for our industry, and yet I do believe that in leaning into the face of adversity, we are emerging in far better shape. Gone are the disreputable aspects of a hospitality career path, say, the long hours, time sacrificed that could have been spent with family and so on. We are invoking the passion for our industry - the variety, the creativity, the interaction with people, communication skills, the sustainability and being part of community – all of these are the good things, which the pandemic has ironically made us value even more so. Our focus now is on how we can improve the guest experience ultimately, and we know that having a happy, well-balanced, motivated team, fully supports our business and in turn, our community.

Recruitment days in January take place in Yorkshire and Derbyshire, as follows: Wednesday, January 26 at 3-4pm and 6-7pm at The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, Bolton Abbey. Thursday January 27 at 3-4pm and 6-7pm at The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow.

Attendees are guaranteed an interview and have chance to speak with senior members of the hotel team.

Candidates can simply turn up on the day, but can also register their interest via email: hr@devonshiregroup.co.uk