Bovey Castle launches Academy for next generation of hospitality professionals

A five-star resort on Dartmoor has launched a new training academy for school and college leavers, aiming to nurture future hospitality leaders while offering pay and benefits above industry standards.

Bovey Castle has announced the creation of The Bovey Academy, a 12-month talent programme that will take on up to 12 recruits. The initiative is designed not only to train apprentices in hospitality skills but also to equip them with broader life skills including financial wellbeing, confidence building, cyber security awareness, and emotional intelligence.

The Academy will run alongside a suite of apprenticeships, from Level 2 Hospitality Apprenticeships to a Level 3 Spa Apprenticeship and other training opportunities across the estate. The Level 2 programme will be delivered in partnership with Exeter College, while the spa apprenticeship is run with Cedars Health & Beauty Centre.

Industry professionals will lead Bovey Academy workshops, each month focusing on a new theme. Students will also take part in visits to leading suppliers and hospitality venues.

Apprenticeships are offered on a 40-hour week with starting salaries of £11.47 per hour – significantly higher than the national apprenticeship rate of £7.55. Students will rotate through departments including reception, housekeeping, guest services, and food and beverage service, while spa apprentices will train for a Level 3 qualification in Beauty, Wellbeing & Holistic Therapy.

Dean Gunston, General Manager at Bovey Castle, said:
“The Bovey Academy has been created to challenge outdated perceptions of the hospitality industry as merely a temporary or low-value career path, often associated with poor pay, long hours, and limited growth. That view no longer reflects the reality of today’s exciting, fast paced hospitality sector.

“Through the Bovey Academy, we aim to show the next generation of talent the value of working in an environment where wellbeing is prioritised and every team member is truly valued. The modules offered, along with the mentorship provided, are designed to reinforce this ethos.

“Importantly, every student who completes the 12-month programme is guaranteed a job, helping to launch their career pathway to more senior positions, whether that be general manager, head chef, gardener, or front-of-house leader, the possibilities are limitless.”

The launch follows a strong run of recognition for Bovey Castle and its parent company, the Eden Hotel Collection, which was ranked in the Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality 2024 by The Caterer and recently won Best Employer at the Springboard Awards for Excellence.

Lisa Watson, HR Manager at Bovey Castle, said:
“We have been developing a strong pipeline of talent in recent years, so much so that over the last three years we have retained 92 per cent of our apprentices, while 86 per cent of our learners have at least two years of service with us.

“The creation of The Bovey Academy enhances that apprenticeship experience even further, as not only will they learn the practical skills to thrive in hospitality from their trainer, but they will be supported by our own people in learning key life skills such as managing finances and building resilience that will stand them in good stead for general life.”

Applications for The Bovey Academy are open until 18th September. More details and application links can be found at  https://bit.ly/4mABNhL or https://bit.ly/41suvnS  , or by emailing lwatson@boveycastle.com