What’s happening

Luxury five-star resort Cameron House Hotel has announced applications for its 2022 Graduate Programme are now open.

The programme focuses on preserving the talent of the country’s next generation of hospitality stars.

The 18-month scheme offers different programmes across a variety of specialist areas such as Rooms Division or Food & Beverage, as well as offering a multi-discipline programme across several different areas of the operation. It provides management trainees with the opportunity to learn from an elite team of specialists and experts in luxury service.

In addition to their thorough reach across educational establishments across Scotland, Cameron House is eager to extend the graduate programme to other educational bodies via colleges and universities across the UK, so as wider geographical demographic can apply.

Dependent on the role, graduates will have access to a variety of off job training and development opportunities such as, Wine and Spirits Educations Trust (WSET) Level 2 certification, essential first aid training, as well as a competitive salary and an impressive benefits package. Additionally, every recruit will benefit from a three-day induction programme at the resort, situated on the banks of Loch Lomond.

Since opening in September last year, the hotel has already welcomed more than 8 graduates. All have been pivotal in the successful of the re-opening and amongst the success stories from the last six months are the 2021 candidates, who joined the programme in July. Rachel Turnbull, Rooms Division Graduate Manager; Rebecca Mason, Multi-Discipline Graduate Manager; Bethany Watson, Food & Beverage Graduate Manager; and Hannah May, Multi-Discipline Graduate Manager.

As part of the scheme graduates are given the opportunity to thoroughly learn the workings of a division before being rotated to another after 6 months.

Rachel Turnbull began with Cameron Lodges working part-time whilst in secondary school and throughout university. Graduating with distinction from Edinburgh Napier University with a BA Hons in International Hospitality Management. Rachel said: “The training at Cameron House has already given me the chance to experience multiple parts of the business, really getting to understand how the hotel runs day-to-day and the importance of everyone’s role. My biggest highlight so far has been preparing for COP26 in November; welcoming world leaders from across the globe for what may be the most important climate summit so far, and to know I had helped, even in a small way, was very gratifying.”

Rebecca Mason graduated with First Class BA Honours from the University of Strathclyde and has since been based within the food and beverage division where she assisted the senior team through the re-opening of the Cameron Grill. She has since moved into the Guest Experience department and will finish her programme working as part of the Spa and Leisure team. Rebecca said: “From working part-time in the hospitality industry. I grew to love the industry and it encouraged me to study a joint degree in Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism Management. The Graduate Programme is one-of-a-kind and has kick-started my career, giving me a brilliant all-round perspective of hotel operations. No two days are the same and my advice for anyone looking to start their career in this industry is to come prepared to work hard and be willing to listen and embrace every opportunity that comes your way.”

Bethany Watson graduated with an HND in Hospitality Management from the City of Glasgow College where she was awarded Beverage Student of the Year. Since joining Cameron House clan last year, Bethany has been working in the brand-new Lobby Bar. Bethany said: “It’s been fantastic to understand how our departments work together to create the best possible experience for every guest. My current role involves me overseeing the Afternoon Tea served in The Lobby Bar, ensuring guests needs are catered for at the highest standard possible and managing a team of 10. I don’t think I would have had the experiences I’ve had without applying for the graduate scheme.”

Hannah May graduated with BA Honours in International Business with Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Strathclyde. Hannah currently works in the Great Scots Bar. Hannah said: “Graduating in 2020 was challenging as the hospitality and travel industry was, in my eyes, the most affected by Covid-19. I used this time to explore my career options and my university lecturer highlighted the Cameron House Graduate Programme. I jumped at the chance to apply, as not many graduate schemes are based in Scotland. I also have a great passion for the outdoors and the environment, therefore the hotel’s location on the banks of Loch Lomond sold it for me. I also loved how the programme allowed you to get management experience in multiple departments too.”

To find out more about the 2022 Cameron House Graduate Programme and how to apply, visit:

https://careers.cameronhouse.co.uk/graduate-manager-programme-92925.htm Application closing date: 31st March 2022.