West Nottinghamshire College has launched a new work placement initiative with the historic Welbeck Estate, with the first two travel and tourism students beginning their hands-on experience at Cuckney House, the estate’s Grade II listed Georgian manor.
Left to right – Hannah Locke, head of travel and tourism, Ross Owen, head of hospitality at Welbeck Estate, Phoebe Hopkins, Jasmine Spencer, Aly Pemberton, operations manager at Welbeck Estate and Tim Pinder, work placement engagement officer.
Level 3 students Jasmine Spencer (18), and Phoebe Hopkins (17) are the first to take part in the joint programme, which provides learners with valuable real-life training across Welbeck’s hospitality operations.
Both students are required to complete 40 hours of work placement by June as part of their course. They will attend once a week with the option to increase their weekly commitments as the year progresses.
Attention to detail is paramount at this high-end self-catering establishment.
Jasmine and Phoebe have been working at the estate’s nine holiday cottages and Cuckney House, which offers self-catering accommodation for up to 40 people across 15 bedrooms. It features manicured grounds, hot tubs, an outdoor kitchen and a tennis court. The manor was once home to the 6th Duke of Portland and was also used for a filming location for the 2014 production of Testament of Youth.
Welbeck Estate’s head of hospitality Ross Owen said: “We are delighted to be partnering with West Nottinghamshire College to provide students with a unique, hands-on experience in managing a diverse hospitality portfolio.
“From our high-end Manor House, Cuckney House – home to self-catering stays and weddings – to our nine beautiful self-catering holiday cottages and our event venue, Lady Margaret Hall, students gain real-world insight into operations, guest engagement, and sustainable practices.
“We’ve been consistently impressed by the professionalism, courtesy, and eagerness to learn shown by the students who join us. This collaboration not only helps aspiring professionals explore whether a career in tourism is right for them but also allows them to contribute to projects that reflect our commitment to regenerative tourism and exceptional guest experiences.”
Ross Owen with Phoebe and Jasmine in the main dining room at Cuckney House.
The college’s business and travel and tourism curriculum teams have forged a strong relationship with Welbeck’s hospitality leaders, led by head of hospitality Ross Owen. Work placement officer Tim Pinder has been preparing students for roles across the estate, interviewing applicants, assessing their suitability and motivations, and gathering teacher feedback to ensure a successful match.
Since beginning their placements, Jasmine and Phoebe have already undertaken a wide variety of responsibilities, including:
- Shadowing management in day-to-day operations, including taking bookings and managing expenses
- Working with the operations manager in team management and operational stock management with the key factor of having all propertied guests ready on time, every time.
- Event management – preparing for an upcoming VIP event at Cuckney House.
- Hot tub management and asset management and seeing the importance of having these items prepared correctly.
- Guest departures and interactions and managing guest feedback.
- Managing the Lady Margaret Hall including guest interactions as well as the operational management.
- Responding proactively to ad hoc tasks across the Estate.
Jasmine and Phoebe have also assisted in early-stage project management exercises. This work has involved exploring health and safety requirements, data protection, complaint handling, and cost-efficiency considerations.
With several open days and a wedding fair being held and weddings booked at Cuckney House for May, both students will play a key role in event preparation and estate readiness.
Jasmine and Phoebe perfecting the linen in one of the house’s opulent bedrooms.
Jasmine said: “I absolutely love it here. I found that I got on really well with everyone from the off-set. I like that Ross trusts me with undertaking some challenging tasks, which I enjoy doing. High standards are vital in this role – you have to pay attention to every detail. I thought I was a confident individual before I began my time here, but I’ve improved so much and now I feel I could tackle anything!”
Phoebe added: “I was a bit nervous on work placement here at first because I’d never done anything like this before. As time has gone on, I’ve become so much more confident with tasks and with my general communications with people. Everyone here has been so supportive and ensuring I’m comfortable with all the new things I’m faced with, so I think I’m going to really enjoy it here.”
The Welbeck Estate spans 15,000 acres and includes nine holiday cottages, Cuckney House, and Lady Margaret Hall. Placements require students to demonstrate excellent people skills, organisation and professionalism, particularly when interacting with contractors, customers, estate tenants, and the estate’s senior management team.
Responsibilities may include creating accommodation itineraries, tracking guest occupancy, ensuring awareness of who is on site, and organising guest hampers using produce from Welbeck Farm Shop. Students must also observe strict confidentiality, particularly regarding VIP guests or non-public areas, where photography is prohibited.
The duo have worked on project management and day-to-day operations alike on the Welbeck Estate.
Hannah Locke, head of travel and tourism at the college, said: “We are incredibly excited to be working so closely with Ross and the hospitality teams at Welbeck Estate. The real-world learning opportunities offered to our students are exceptional, helping them to develop transferable skills that are invaluable for their studies and future careers.
“This partnership will also enrich staff CPD, ensuring we stay up-to-date with the fast-evolving hospitality sector and can continue to shape a curriculum that truly reflects industry expectations.”
Following the successful launch with Jasmine and Phoebe, it is anticipated that up to 15 further business and travel and tourism students will join placements across the remainder of the academic year. Opportunities may also be extended across other departments.
You can watch the video of Jasmine and Phoebe at Cuckney House here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0LzaL7HEME