Work Experience Programme Page 1 of 10
The Headland is one of Newquay s major employers, offering a variety of careers in the hospitality and leisure industry. With 104 bedrooms, 40 self catering cottages, event facilities for up to 250 people and 2 restaurants, opportunities range from reception and restaurant, through administration and human resources to kitchen and cellar work and even maintenance and groundsmanship. The Headland was built over 100 years ago as the finest hotel in the southwest. Its construction was very controversial at the time and caused the famous Newquay Riots when local fishermen claimed they had the right to dry their nets on the land. Over the years the hotel has welcomed royalty and celebrities, from Edward V11 and Prince Charles to Jason Donavon and Martine McCutcheon. During World War 2 it was used as an RAF hospital, and there have been many reports of ghostly figures dating from this period. Recently, it has been the location for the film of Roald Dahl s The Witches, the BBC Clothes Show and for many years was the only privately owned site for the annual Radio One Roadshow. Mr & Mrs Armstrong bought the Hotel in 1979 and have spent the last 29 years and over 20 million improving the building and the business. Part of their plans at the beginning were to add a self catering village, this was eventually completed in 2005 when 40 cottages were built. The Hotel is now rated as AA 4* and the Cottages hold an ETC 5* award. In 1992 the Hotel was the first company in Cornwall to receive Investors in People award for our commitment to developing and training staff, and have continued to hold this for 16 years. The Headland employs between 80 and 100 full and part time staff who are all encouraged to develop their skills. Many are supported as they study for NVQ s in a wide range of subjects and there are opportunities for in house training and more specialised courses tailored to individual development needs. A certain number of students are taken on annually as Management Trainees and progress through the various departments during their training. Page 2 of 10
If you are interested in joining the Headland for a Work Experience Placement then read on to find out more. So you think you would like to gain experience as part of The Headland team? Now you need to decide which area interests you. Reception Reception is the hub of the hotel it is the first and last place all guests visit so it is a key area in the success of the business. Staff here are responsible for checking guests in and out, dealing with payments of the bill and answering any queries during their stay. You will be friendly and outgoing, enjoy meeting a wide variety of people and have a good eye for detail. Job Description Job Title: Department: Receptionist Front of House Person specification prepared by: Front of House Manager Date: 18 th September 2008 Description: - This placement will involve working alongside the receptionists and learning about: - the AA standards we have to adhere to retain our 4 stars checking guests in and out preparing welcome letters for the next day's arrivals performing all the day to day tasks on the reception check list You will have the opportunity to learn the Hotel Perfect computer programme, use a photocopier, facsimile machine and telephone. Person Specification ATTRIBUTES Personal Attitudes Special Knowledge and Skills Wider Key Skills ESSENTIAL Pleasant, professional manner towards guests and staff Very smart and well groomed appearance Ability to follow simple instructions and to work unsupervised Must be a good timekeeper Good communication skills Attention to detail Good standard of spelling and grammar Willingness to learn new skills Page 3 of 10
Housekeeping The housekeeping team are responsible for keeping all the public areas of the hotel, the bedrooms and the cottages clean, tidy and looking their best at all times for our guests. Our success depends on the very high standards of cleanliness maintained by the team. Do you enjoy making sure everything looks good and helping make our guests stay as enjoyable as possible? You will need to be conscientious, with a good eye for detail and a willingness to achieve high standards of cleanliness. Job Description Job Title: Department: Room Attendant Housekeeping Person specification prepared by: Executive Head Housekeeper Date: 18 th September 2008 Description: - This placement involves working with the Room Attendants who are responsible for thoroughly cleaning rooms to a high standard. Duties include: Cleaning all furniture and fittings by damp dusting Re-making beds, vacuuming or washing all floor surfaces Replenishing tea, coffee etc Cleaning inside windows and sills Thoroughly cleaning bathrooms and replacing towels and toiletries etc Ensuring all guest needs are met at all times Person Specification ATTRIBUTES Personal Attitudes Special Knowledge and Skills Wider Key Skills ESSENTIAL Friendly and outgoing - a good team player Responsive and trustworthy A good time keeper Energetic and conscientious Flexible An eye for detail Ability to use own initiative Good interpersonal skills An understanding of Health and Safety Regulations Page 4 of 10
Kitchen The Headland runs two kitchens to provide meals for guests visiting The Brasserie and The Terrace, as well as people attending some of the many conferences, meetings, lunches and dinners. Weddings are also a regular feature. The two kitchen brigades prepare and cook most dishes from scratch using fresh local ingredients. You will need to be passionate about food, with a desire to learn all you can about top level cooking in a busy working environment. You will be working in a team of Chefs of all ages, experience and nationality, so you must be able to get along with others and follow their directions. Job Description Job Title: Department: Commis Chef Main Kitchen Person specification prepared by: Executive Head Chef Date: 18 th September 2008 Description: - This placement involves working with the chefs in the main kitchen. Duties include: All aspects of food preparation Maintaining cleanliness of the kitchen Person Specification ATTRIBUTES Personal Attitudes Special Knowledge and Skills Wider Key Skills ESSENTIAL Passionate about food A good time keeper Energetic and conscientious Flexible A high standard of personal hygiene A creative mind Ability to follow simple instructions Ability to work under pressure Good interpersonal skills An understanding of Health and Safety Regulations Page 5 of 10
Porters The Porters provide an essential service to our guest throughout the day. They are often the first to greet new arrivals and assist with baggage, and are frequently the main contact during their stay. The Porters are also responsible for preparing meeting rooms and also for serving and clearing refreshments during the day. Other duties include delivering luggage and extras such as champagne, chocolates and fruit to bedrooms and accompanying guests to their cottage on arrival. You will be an enthusiastic and friendly person, smartly dressed and with a good eye for detail. Job Description Job Title: Department: Hall Porter Porters Person specification prepared by: Assistant Manager Date: 18 th September 2008 Description: - This placement involves working with the Hall Porters who are responsible for attending to the needs of both resident and non-resident guests. Duties include: Meeting and greeting guests and assisting with luggage Setting up and assisting with the running of conferences and banquets Showing guests to rooms or cottages Ensuring all public and back of house areas are immaculate at all times Assisting other departments as required Person Specification ATTRIBUTES Personal Attitudes Special Knowledge and Skills Wider Key Skills ESSENTIAL Pleasant, professional manner towards guests and staff Very smart and well groomed appearance Ability to follow simple instructions and to work unsupervised Must be a good timekeeper Excellent communication skills Attention to detail Quick and eager to learn Ability to solve problems Self motivating and enthusiastic Superb attention to detail Page 6 of 10
Food and Beverage Attendant The Headland has two restaurants; The Brasserie is the main dining area and serves breakfast and dinner daily. The ambiance is casual dining with the emphasis on local produce simply cooked. The Terrace is open daily from 10am to 10pm serving a wide range of snacks, drinks, light meals and specials during the day. At 7pm the ambiance changes with the emphasis more on intimate dining. Job Description Job Title: Food and Beverage Attendant Department: The Sand Brasserie or Terrace Restaurant Person specification prepared by: Restaurant Manager Date: 18 th September 2008 Description: - This placement involves working with the Food and Beverage Attendants in either the Sand Brasserie Restaurant or the Terrace Restaurant. Duties include: Preparing the restaurant, dispense and bar prior to service Setting tables to the required standard Ensuring 100% accuracy with charging with full and clear documentation Excellent knowledge of the menu Ensuring that at all times all areas are immaculate and that a high standard of service is always offered in the lounge area. Person Specification ATTRIBUTES Personal Attitudes Special Knowledge and Skills Wider Key Skills ESSENTIAL Immaculate personal appearance and a pleasant manner Excellent communication skills A good time keeper Ability to work accurately and neatly Excellent attention to detail Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills Good problem solving skills Able to work under pressure Self motivating Page 7 of 10
Are you a little worried? At The Headland we understand that you may be feeling a little nervous about your work experience. So we do the following: You will be invited to attend an interview, this will include a tour of the ground floor and the department you are most interested in working in. If you are successful, the Head of Department will contact you to discuss your hours, what to wear and answer any questions or concerns you may have. You are welcome at anytime to call and speak to the Head of Department or myself, Michelle Brown, prior to, during and after your work experience. On your first day you will complete an Induction, which will teach you about Fire, Health and Safety, standards and expectations. You will be given a tour of The Headland, this will include the cottages. You will then be introduced to your buddy, this is the person that will have responsibility for you on a day to day basis, they will help you to settle in and feel part of the team! Hours of Attendance The Headland is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. You will not be required to work weekends. Shifts for work experience students range from 8.00am to 10.00pm, this is to allow you to see how the business operates throughout the day and the difference in duties and atmosphere, so flexibility is important. You will not be asked to work more than 6 hours on any one day; shifts will be 6.5 hours to allow for your lunch break. Page 8 of 10
Lunch arrangements Meals are provided by The Headland and are free to all staff. There is a staff canteen where all staff must eat their meals. We also provide tea and coffee, hot water and squash. Breaks will be taken with your buddy for the day whenever possible. During your placement Please ensure that you arrive 5 minutes before your shift, punctuality is very important. Lateness is rude! If you are unwell or unable to attend work please call and speak to the Head of Department or myself, Michelle Brown. Appearance at work is very important; you must be smart and well presented at all times - if you are not you will be spoken to, and possibly sent home. Our customers and staff are very important to us; please treat them as you would like to be treated. The more you put into your work experience the more you will get back, so please feel free to ask questions and above all enjoy yourself! Page 9 of 10
What to do if you want to apply for a placement If you would like the opportunity to work alongside The Headland team, we would like to hear from you. You will need to write a letter of application, this will need to include the following: The school you are attending A little bit about yourself Why you would like to do your work experience at The Headland What department interests you and why What you are passionate about Your application will need to be sent to us at The Headland Hotel, Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1EW least 2 months prior to the desired placement date. We are able to offer placements throughout the year, but are only able to take one student per department at a time so if you are interested, be quick to send us your application. The information provided in this letter shall be processed by the placement provider in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. The information is collected for the purposes of administering the work experience scheme only and will be used by your school, the Cornwall Education Business Partnership and the placement provider. Some exceptional Work Experience students have been offered part time positions on completion of their placement. If you are interested please let us know. We look forward to hearing from you and good luck with your application! Michelle Brown and The Headland team Page 10 of 10