Lakeside Hotel & Spa is paving the way for hospitality career opportunities in the North West.

Situated on the picturesque shore of Windermere, this Classic Lodges hotel is committed to creating ample prospects for the future generation of hospitality workers through a series of conference days, work experience, and hands-on training sessions alongside education.

Lakeside extends support to tourism, hospitality, catering and beauty students from Runshaw College, Blackburn College, Lancaster and Morecambe College, Furness College, Kendal College, and Huddersfield University.

A Management Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Cumbria is also on offer, permitting students to earn a full-time wage while studying for a degree – without a shred of student debt.

Currently, six full-time staff at the hotel are working there as a result of attending work experience, placements or conferences, including a Graduate Manager, a Wedding and Events Coordinator, and a Front of House Assistant.

For budding chefs, Lakeside has an option.

Jack Kenyon recently completed his Level 3 City & Guilds at Kendal College while acquiring real-world skills in the hotel's kitchens.

Two more students are following in his footsteps, having completed their Level 2 Qualifications at Runshaw College.

Looking ahead, Lakeside is ready to build further career paths.

As partnerships with local educational institutions solidify, there are plans in the pipeline with universities in the North East and Liverpool, along with local primary and secondary schools.

Kathy, a Blackburn College student who recently attended a conference day ahead of her placement at the hotel, said: "The kitchen was very organised, and the staff were nice and helpful. I am excited to start my placement here, it will help me learn and progress more.”

Lakeside Hotel is also part of the Lake District Hotel Association (LDHA), which is on a three-year plan to raise the profile of the hospitality industry and Cumbria as a place to live and work.

General Manager, Ben Mayou, who kick-started his career in hospitality as a teenager, serves as chair of LDHA.

“Young people bring so much energy and enthusiasm to hospitality settings, which is why it is so positive having them in the hotel whether it’s for permanent employment, placements, or just for the day,” said Mr Mayou.

“Many of the students who visit have never been to the Lakes before and have been massively impacted by the pandemic, so it’s a great chance to show them that exciting opportunities do exist in the hospitality and tourism industry.

“It’s important for me to encourage them to step outside their comfort zone and to be brave and ‘take a punt’.

"We are looking forward to further developing our workplace entry programmes with more colleges and universities in the surrounding regions and welcoming more young people to Cumbria.”