A group of jobseekers have secured work at a new hotel and restaurant thanks to a pioneering new partnership.
The brand new Premier Inn hotel and Beefeater restaurant have opened their doors next to the famous Spanish City Dome.
The development is a key component of North Tyneside Council’s Seafront Master Plan for Whitley Bay, which includes £36m of investment along the coast.
As part of a recruitment drive for both businesses, a pioneering new partnership between Jobcentre Plus, the council’s Employment and Skills service and Premier Inn’s parent company Whitbread was launched.
A total of 34 people signed up to a scheme and 19 have now secured jobs with Whitbread – 12 have started their careers with Premier Inn, six work at Beefeater and one other person has taken a role in a nearby Brewers Fayre (also part of the Whitbread group of brands).
The partnership involved the creation of a sector-based work academy, where those successfully enrolled onto the scheme would learn skills valuable in helping them develop a career in the hospitality industry.
A celebration event was held to mark their success and completion of their training, where the Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn presented each candidate with a certificate.
Mayor Redfearn was delighted to meet the trainees and said: “It’s great that we, as a council, can work in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and local businesses to train their staff.
“But, more importantly, this scheme has given these local people the skills and confidence needed in the workplace and I would like to congratulate them for their success and wish them all well.
“The new hotel and restaurant look fantastic and what better place could there be to work every day than beside our beautiful coastline?”
The trainees were put through their paces on the course and were able to gain hands-on experience through a work experience placement as well as taking part in a final job interview.
Darren Beeby, Area Manager, Premier Inn, said: “We are delighted to have been able to work with Jobcentre Plus and North Tyneside Council on this scheme. As a business, we’re absolutely committed to investing back into the areas in which we serve.
“It has been great to see each and every one of the trainees grow over the last few months and the majority have played a huge part in the successful opening of Whitley Bay Premier Inn and Beefeater.”
William Henderson, Employer Adviser at Jobcentre Plus in Wallsend, said: “Jobcentre Plus has worked in partnership with Premier Inn across North Tyneside over the last three years, offering roll on – roll off work experience placements to local jobseekers, which has then been a stepping stone into employment for many.
“This collaborative approach has resulted in 19 candidates already securing a hospitality career with Premier Inn and Beefeater – a fantastic result!”
The new workers were thrilled to have secured jobs and are looking forward to long and successful careers.
Carole White said: “I just love it and will be here until I retire.”
Michael Anderson said: “I am grateful that someone has finally given me a job.”
Luke Dalton commented: “It’s just a great feeling.”
And Cindy Williams added: “It’s given me confidence and I love it.”