It’s a scaled-down version of a Premier Inn but something altogether different
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The smallest Premier Inn hotel yet has opened its doors in Coventry – with just three rooms.
CoventryLive was invited to take a look at the new facility, which is a fully scaled-down version of a Premier Inn but something altogether different.
It has been opened at Hereward College in Coventry, with the aim of training students for careers in the hospitality sector.
It also reflects a commitment by Premier Inn owner Whitbread to delivering diversity in the workplace.
Hereward College specialises in skills training for independent living and employment for young people with disabilities and additional needs.
The new mini-hotel, which will not take paying guests, is a fully equipped training facility where young people can learn hospitality industry skills.
It has been built by Novus Property Solutions, the company which refurbishes Premier Inn hotels across the country, and is an exact replica of a Premier Inn.
The facility has a reception, a corridor, three bedrooms – complete with tea and coffee-making facilities and do not disturb signs – and a linen room.
The Coventry mini Premier Inn is the second the company has created and follows on from the success of one at Derwen College in Shropshire.
From guest relations to housekeeping, the facility will enable young people to learn about all areas of hospitality in a realistic hotel environment.
Young people will also have the opportunity to undertake supported internships, with the aim of them going on to take-up paid employment in Premier Inn hotels.
It has been welcomed by the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Justin Tomlinson, who said: “Every young person should be able to reach their full potential and I whole heartedly welcome Whitbread’s fantastic Premier Inn training hotel for young people with disabilities who want a career in hospitality, which will put them on the path to a successful future.
“There are 7.6million working age disabled people in the UK and employers are missing out by not recruiting from this pool of skilled, loyal and hardworking talent.
“We are committed to working with employers to build inclusive workforces with schemes like Disability Confident, which provides businesses with the support they need to recruit and retain disabled people.
“And employers’ innovative training schemes, like the tiny hotel, are so important in helping to close the disability employment gap.”
Premier Inn managing director Simon Ewins said: “If you think of the average Premier Inn guest – there isn’t one.
“We welcome people from all walks of life, and from every corner of the world. It is only right our workforce reflects this.
“Diversity is at the core of our people plan and we continue our focus on becoming the most inclusive hospitality business.
“We recognise that a diverse and inclusive culture brings significant business benefits and ultimately leads to better business performance.”
Almost half of the students who have trained at Derwen College have gone on to be employed by Premier Inn since the partnership launched back in 2013.
Student Mary Woodall who has successfully completed training at Derwen College and is now employed by Premier Inn in Greenwich joined the launch event as a guest of honour.
The 26-year-old welcomes thousands of guests every year into the Greenwich hotel.
She said: “Training in the mini-Premier Inn was a fantastic experience and really helped build my confidence before starting into a job with the company.
"Having the chance to train in a life-like facility is really helpful because you can learn all aspects of hospitality alongside other students who are also interested in hotels and make friends at the same time. I think the students will really learn a lot from it”.
Hereward College’s principal Paul Cook said: “We are delighted to be working with Premier Inn, who support our ambition to become a centre of excellence in hospitality training and get more people with disabilities into meaningful employment.
“The new training facility will mean that students will be able to gain work experience, learn specific job roles and gain confidence before stepping into the workplace.”
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