Aspire to Be has recently linked up with Premier Inn to help fill job vacancies at the leading hotel brands’ three Doncaster hotels.
The partnership is set to provide hands on, practical experience of working in a hotel for Aspire to Be service users with the hope that they will be better equipped to take on jobs within the hospitality sector here in Doncaster.
Beata Gornik, hotel manager at Premier Inn Doncaster High Fishergate, Central East and Lakeside, said: “I met with Aspire to Be and they spoke about their service and the client group they were supporting and how, at that time, they were looking for work experience opportunities for their service users.
“However, covid then struck which did make things more difficult for everyone. But after covid restrictions had eased, we re-engaged and again we spoke of work experience but also employment opportunities for the right people.
“I was informed of the simulated Hotel room Aspire to Be has and how their clients are given practical training on all aspects of cleaning a hotel suite to expected industry standards. I visited the site and was impressed by the set up and training given.
“It is really pleasing now to have a strong partnership in place where Aspire to Be service users are able to get the support and training from Aspire to Be and also come and get real life work experience with us at Premier Inn. Although not all are successful in gaining employment due to various reasons, many do now have jobs within our three sites across Doncaster which is brilliant. They have been a real credit to themselves, Aspire to Be and Premier Inn.
“Due to Aspire to Be’s level of service and training offered, some individuals who would otherwise struggle to gain employment are now in work which can only be a positive thing. We are really confident in the Aspire to Be team and look forward to working with them moving forward with our recruitment needs.”
Neil Keeton, employment engagement officer at Aspire to Be, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Premier inn which is a fantastic way for our service users to learn about jobs within the hospitality sector, build their confidence and ensure that anyone who's capable of working can.
“Developing relationships with employers such as Premier Inn makes a real difference because our service users can get practical experience and at the same time it breaks down any stigma that may exist around employing people who face extra challenges. Managers in these organisations can see at first what our service users can bring to their role and to the wider company, so it really is a win-win situation for all involved.”