Premier Inn helps jobseekers with disabilities train for work at replica hotel – The Sun

A MINI Premier Inn is helping jobseekers with disabilities train for work.

The hotel, which has just three en-suite bedrooms, is a replica of the budget chain’s full-size hotels and is based at Hereward College in Coventry. It also has a reception, hallway and linen room, and even “do not disturb” signs on bedroom doors.

Hospitality students at the college — which specialises in training people with disabilities and additional needs — work there to learn the skills they will need to land a job in the industry.

All trainees who complete the course can get an internship with Premier Inn and around a third of students have gone on to land jobs. Parent firm Whitbread recruits up to 2,000 people each year and has 1,200 jobs currently on offer. Roles include customer service, chefs, front of house and management.

Premier Inn managing director Simon Ewins said: “We recognise that a diverse and inclusive culture brings significant business benefits and ultimately leads to better business performance.”

The Hereward initiative has been praised by disabilities minister Justin Tomlinson, who is encouraging other businesses to follow suit. He said: “Every young person should be able to reach their full potential. I welcome Whitbread’s fantastic Premier Inn training hotel, which will put people on the path to a successful future.”

  • For details see whitbreadcareers.com and disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk.

Well done, Mary

BUBBLY Mary Woodall successfully completed the mini Premier Inn training and is now employed at the chain’s Greenwich hotel in South London.

The 26-year-old from London has a rare genetic syndrome and cerebral palsy, but wants employers to focus on ability not disability.

She is now one of the hotel’s top team members and welcomes thousands of guests every year.

Mary said: “Training in the mini Premier Inn was a fantastic experience and really helped build my confidence before starting a job with the company.

“Having the chance to train in a life-like facility is really helpful. You can learn all aspects of hospitality with other students who are also interested in hotels and make friends at the same time.

“When I started work in Greenwich, it felt like I’d been there for ever because the mini hotel is so realistic. I really enjoy the different aspects of the job, especially meeting people from around the world.

“I think new students in the mini Premier Inn will really learn a lot from it.”

A bright future

DO you really need to study at uni to build a secure future?

With UCAS clearing opening today, electricians’ organistion NICEIC is encouraging school leavers to think about a career in the construction trade.
Research by the Federation of Master Builders revealed the average salary for electricians in the UK is £47,265.

This compares with £32,000 for the average university graduate’s income. Darren Staniforth, technical development manager at NICEIC, said: “University is not for everyone and the perception that you can only have a successful career if you get a degree is a false one.

“The construction industry is a well-paid sector that offers an array of opportunities.”

Jobspot

DELIVERY giant UPS has more than 70 driver and warehouse jobs on offer across the UK. Search for yours at jobs-ups.uk.

Be a good sport

THE England Lionesses may have lost their World Cup semi-final on Tuesday – but interest in women’s sport is at an all-time high.

Now Sky Sports is offering a paid summer internship in women’s sports social media, creating content for the broadcaster’s website.

The lucky trainee will go behind the scenes and meet athletes at top events including the Netball World Cup and Women’s Ashes.

Jamie Hunt, from Sky, said: “We’re looking for a creative individual, who is passionate about women’s sport, to help produce social media content this summer.

“This job will provide great exposure to some of our biggest tournaments.”

  • Apply at linkedin.com/jobs/view/1331710137.

Jobspot

WANT to work at a festival? HAP RECRUITMENT is hiring paid bar staff at more than 100 events across the UK this ­summer. See haprecruitment.com/events.

Ways to combat doubt

FEEL like you are faking it at work? If so, you are not alone.

Seven in ten UK workers have experienced “impostor phenomenon”, doubting their accomplishments at least once, a new report reveals.

Kate Atkin, from Anglia Ruskin University – which carried out the study with recruitment website Totaljobs – says: “By comparing ourselves to the achievements of others we can often forget to reflect on our own success. Don’t just put them down to luck.”

Here is how to tackle it:

CALL IT OUT: This is the most important step. Be clear that this is not a simple case of self-doubt, but always feeling you are not good enough despite successes.

GET A MENTOR: Have someone who can challenge your impostor excuses and give evidence as to where the praise and achievement really belongs.

LIST ACHIEVEMENTS: Honestly and clearly understanding your abilities, without “excuses”, will help you get comfortable with them. Take pride in your work.

CHANGE LANGUAGE: Do you dismiss praise with “Thanks, but it was nothing”? Stop at the “but”. Highlight your own positive feedback by instead saying  “. . . and I used this skill or strength.”

ASSESS EXPECTATIONS: Challenge your own assumptions about what is really expected. How good is good enough? Moving away from your own lofty goals will reduce the need to be perfect.

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