A partnership between West Nottinghamshire College and Warner Hotels has been rewarded with an accolade.

They were handed the Education and Business Partnership Award at the East Midlands Chamber’s Nottinghamshire Business Awards for the college’s annual ‘hotel takeover’ project at Thoresby Hall Hotel.

The award — open to schools, colleges, and training providers who work with business to help students develop crucial employability skills — acknowledged the initiative that sees students on hospitality, catering, and other courses, step into diverse roles at the luxury hotel.

For the past three years learners have spent a week at the hotel, getting to know how the business operates and working in roles such as housekeepers, receptionists, spa therapists, maintenance staff, entertainment hosts, bar staff, and chefs.

The scheme has provided students with real-world experience and the hotel with a pipeline of potential future employees.

The college was also shortlisted for an award in the Excellence in Collaboration category for the pioneering West Notts College Travel Pass, developed in collaboration with Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham Trent University, and bus operators Stagecoach and trentbarton. The scheme offers unlimited travel for students across the college’s catchment area, seven days a week, at a reduced cost.

College principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley, who accepted the award from ITV presenter Emma Jesson with apprenticeship co-ordinator Jo Wilson, said: “We are very proud of the work we do as a college to prepare our students for the world of work, but this is magnified hugely by partnerships such as this, where a brilliant employer gives those students such an extensive opportunity.

“The experience they gain not only develops their skills, but builds their confidence and develops their awareness of different roles and career opportunities. The number of students who secure paid employment through this takeover stand testimony to its value.

“Huge thanks to all those at Thoresby Hall Hotel, who make this possible. I hope it serves to motivate other employers to explore how they might help us create the next generation of their workforce.”

Thoresby Hall Hotel general manager Claire Fletcher added: “It’s a huge privilege to partner with the college, giving real-life opportunities to the students. Supporting their studies is something we are incredibly proud of.

“The partnership has grown from strength to strength over the past three years and to win this award is an amazing achievement that we are all so proud of. ”

Pictured are, from left, Paul Yeomans, head of business engagement at awards category sponsor the University of Nottingham; Thoresby Hall Hotel’s leisure and spa wellness manager Liam Theakstone, hotel admin manager Lisa Gibson, and head of hospitality Phil Bracegirdle; Andrew Cropley, principal and chief executive of West Nottinghamshire College; Jo Wilson, hospitality programme area leader at the college; and ITV presenter Emma Jesson, who presented awards.