A new receptionist has started at a Telford hotel after completing a course at a nearby college.
Liena Ergle, 27, of Donnington, has landed the role at Buckatree Hall Hotel having been told about it as part of the partnership between the hotel at the foot of the Wrekin and staff at Telford College of Arts and Technology.
She is the second full time member of staff the hotel has taken on as part of the continued partnership, as well as around a dozen casual staff.
Liena said she is enjoying being in the industry, gaining valuable experience.
She said: “I have worked in shops, as a cleaner or in factories but I didn’t have any other experience so people wouldn’t give me any other jobs.
“I probably would have never got this job before, I really like it.
“I am learning everything – it’ll all new to me but it is easy to pick up.
“When you learn more about the company it is easier to do it, like knowing about the rooms and check in and check out systems for reservations.”
The mother-of-two speaks Latvian and Russian as a first language and despite speaking English for six years, she decided to complete an evening course at Telford College of Arts and Technology to improve her English writing skills.
“You get to meet a lot of people here, it is nice getting to chat to them and find out where they are from,” Liena added.
“I make new friends as well.”
She landed this role after going to a CV writing workshop with Reed NCFE Senior Employment Broker Shelley Instone, based at Telford College of Arts and Technology, and being notified about the job.
The partnership between the hotel and the college sees 260 students, on 13 different courses, gain a realistic insight and experience the tourism industry.
Those studying business admin, event management, professional hospitality, and travel and tourism complete a traineeship involving one week working on reception, in the kitchen, behind the bar, in housekeeping and in the restaurant.
The aim is to work with professionals in order to make an informed decision about their future.
Mrs Instone said she is delighted to see the benefits of this continued partnership.
She added: “This partnership has had a positive influence on many students.
“We are so proud to be able to work with this award winning hotel and offer a great opportunity for so many of our learners.
“For this to lead to employment for so many people, the latest of whom is Liena, just shows how effective it is and is a reflection of the strong working relationship we have built.
“Many employers may have been concerned at offering this role to someone with no recent experience, but Buckatree Hall Hotel has always been willing to consider the individual themselves and the transferable skills a person has to offer.
“The team are always willing to help others realise and achieve their potential. We are thrilled for Liena and wish her all the very best in her new role.”
Family-run Buckatree Hall Hotel won the travel, tourism and leisure category at the Shropshire Business Awards 2014 and has been shortlisted in both this category and the Online Business of the Year category for this year’s event.
It was also the highest ranking hotel in the BestOf Business of the Year 2016 awards across Telford & Wrekin and has been handed accolades from industry partners Laterooms, Booking.com and TripAdvisor®.
General Manager of the hotel, Wayne Jenson, added: “Liena is a great addition to our reception team and has learnt the role quickly.
“She is efficient and I am pleased to have her on board.
“The partnership with TCAT is proving to be a real success.”
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