The Suffolk Hotel Folk group has opened a new training and development centre at Thorpeness, believed to be the first of its type in East Anglia.
It will provide a safe and welcoming space for the group’s folk to gain a wealth of knowledge and basic skills needed for their role. The Folk’s learning journey is supported by a bespoke training platform with a portfolio of engaging online modules for compliance training, to support both current and new folk.
With six individual hotels spread across Suffolk’s coast and country, plus a luxurious spa, golf course and a wedding and entertainment centre, The Hotel Folk is amongst the county’s larger and most important employers. It offers a wide variety of career opportunities for all hospitality roles, from management and top chef positions to front of house bar and restaurant, housekeeping, greenkeeping and spa therapists.
A new Training and Development Manager, Sophie Jeffrey, was appointed to create and run the centre.
As well as providing an induction for new folk joining the group, the centre will become the hub of learning for the group, also delivering ongoing training opportunities and support for current folk enabling them to progress within their roles and chosen career paths, through apprenticeships, a chef academy, and a calendar of training workshops to suit all roles.
Facilities at the centre will include a bedroom, restaurant, kitchen, and the central training room, to include all hotel IT systems and procedures, health and safety, communication skills, restaurant and housekeeping training, and a barista machine to learn how to make the perfect cup of coffee. The centre will provide a space for hotel managers to step away and bring their team to hold meetings and deliver bespoke hotel training.
Passionate about placing training and development at the heart of The Hotel Folk, Sophie Jeffrey said; “My aim is to create a positive culture for learning, to drive skills and develop careers to ensure we provide outstanding customer service, exceeding all our guests’ expectations”.
Anyone thinking about starting or developing a career with The Hotel Folk should email Emma Farrow at careers@thehotelfolk.co.uk for current opportunities within the collection or call 01394 445184. More details can be found on www.thehotelfolk.co.uk.