A huge congratulations to former Derwen College student Claire Brunt. She is celebrating an incredible 10 years working for Premier Inn, marking a decade of achievement that began right here.
Claire first learnt housekeeping skills at Derwen College. She trained in our mini hotel – the very first training facility of its kind developed in partnership with Whitbread.
Claire works at the Berwick-Upon-Tweed Premier Inn as a housekeeper. She is an incredibly popular member of the team due to her bubbly personality and resilient spirit.
The big day was marked with a joyous celebration between Claire, her parents and colleagues. It was a surprise for Claire, where after her shift, she had everyone waiting for her at the Premier Inn with balloons, cards and cake.
As a housekeeper, Claire makes up Premier Inn’s famous bedrooms to the hotel’s standards. She has learnt this craft through the Thrive Programme, which was set up by Whitbread, who owns Premier Inn. The programme helps progress students with SEND into paid work through hospitality skills training.
Claire went to work at the Worcestershire M5 J5 Premier Inn, where she started paid work for the first time back in 2015. Just under three years ago she moved to her current role, working for Hotel Manager Rosalind Bache and Head Housekeeper Terri Drummond.
Rosalind said: “Claire is incredibly bubbly and lively, and also quite cheeky. everyone gets on well with her. We’re very excited to be a part of the Thrive Programme. It’s a fantastic scheme and we were thrilled when we were asked if we’d take Claire as a transfer. It reminds us not to judge people or make assumptions about what they’re capable of. The day was lovely, Claire was made to feel so special which she absolutely deserves. Terri, our head housekeeper, was very emotional – she’s so proud of Claire’s achievements”
Claire said: “I’m so happy here in Berwick. I have so many friends and I love working at Premier Inn”.
We are very happy to be sharing student success stories such as Claire’s for Natspec’s campaign – the Power of Specialist Further Education.
