Head Teacher Paul Holt
On Wednesday, a group of our Year 8 students took part in an Open Doors visit to the Hydro Hotel, giving them a valuable insight into the hospitality and leisure industry and the wide range of opportunities it can offer.
The students were welcomed by Jonathan Owen, Hotel Manager, who spoke openly about his own career pathway into hospitality and how his role has developed over time. Jonathan explained that there is no single route into the industry and that many people progress by starting in entry‑level roles and learning on the job.
He introduced students to the variety of job roles within a hotel, including:
Jonathan highlighted that the Hydro Hotel values people with a strong work ethic, positive attitude and great customer manners. He emphasised that, in hospitality, attitude and willingness to learn are as important as qualifications.
During a tour around the hotel, students learned about the bespoke services the Hydro Hotel offers, including tailored packages, weddings, events and leisure facilities such as the swimming pool. This helped them understand how hotels meet customer needs and create memorable experiences.
Finally, Jonathan explained how hospitality is a global industry, offering fantastic opportunities for those who enjoy meeting new people or wish to travel and work around the world. The transferable skills gained – such as communication, teamwork, problem‑solving and customer service – are valuable in many career pathways.
The visit was an excellent opportunity for students to see real‑world careers in action and to understand how effort, experience and attitude can open doors to exciting futures.
The Hydro Hotel offers lots of work experience opportunities as well as a good apprenticeship programme. Please contact the hotel direct if this is of interest.
Head Teacher Paul Holt