Dovecliff Hall Hotel is just the job for Katie!

A travel and tourism student at Burton and South Derbyshire College has shown she’s job ready after securing paid employment just weeks into her industry placement.

Katie Holland, who is currently in the first year of a Level 3 Travel and Tourism course, was offered the job after showing excellent customer service skills and potential as she embarked on an industry placement at Dovecliff Hall Hotel in Burton. 

The hotel is an elegant Grade II listed Georgian Manor House dating back to 1790, set in a seven acre garden overlooking the River Dove. During her industry placement, Katie has had the opportunity to gain experience across all areas of the hotel, including reception, housekeeping and serving in the restaurant. 

Katie has come a long way and has grown in confidence considerably since she first started studying at Burton and South Derbyshire College last year. She said: “When I first started my course, I was shy and timid; I wouldn’t talk in class and I would have refused to do this. A year on and I’m here serving customers, communicating with everybody and pushing myself out of my comfort zone more.”

She added: “I was nervous at first but I’m enjoying it. Some of the shifts have been challenging but I’ve done it and I’ve got there! I’ve enjoyed the whole experience and the people I work with make it even better.  I have even been offered paid work here; it feels great knowing I’ve made that much progress in such a small amount of time.”

Katie’s mentor, Marie Humphries, Assistant Manager at Dovecliff Hall couldn’t be happier with Katie’s progress, commenting: “Katie has been a big help to us and has even been working on some advertising campaigns. It’s good to have the time to get to know the student and give them experience on each of the areas. That way, we can learn their strengths and weaknesses, and help them move forward.  Katie has got excellent customer service skills and we can see a lot of potential in her as her confidence grows.”

Speaking about the benefits of industry placements within the workplace, Marie said: “It was the first time we have been involved with industry placements and I was initially apprehensive about mentoring a student. The experience has been very positive all round. Not only does it benefit the student, but we also benefit from them bringing their knowledge and ideas with them. It also helps us to create good links with our local college and keeps the industry alive.

“I would advise other employers to get on board with industry placements. We’ve gained an employed member of staff out of it. The communication with the College throughout has been great and we’ve been able to provide constant feedback.” 

Any employers interested in offering a Level 3 student an industry placement can find out more by calling Burton and South Derbyshire College on 01283 494568/01283 494805 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..