Hospitality University Placement Programme in Castle Cary

Hospitality University Placement Programme

Up to £12.92 per hour plus tronc and fantastic benefits

40 hours per week across 5 days, including regular evenings and weekends. Based at The Newt in Somerset, BA7 7NG

Due to the location of the Estate a driving license is recommended for this role

Start dates are flexible throughout the year

Still studying hospitality? Make your next academic placement a year to remember, gaining hands‑on experience at one of the UK's most exceptional country estates.

Our Hospitality University Placement Programme

Join us at The Newt in Somerset - Condé Nast Traveller Triple Crown winner, a Three Michelin Key hotel and the No. 1 Boutique Hotel for three consecutive years: 2023, 2024 and 2025. Set within a remarkable country estate, hospitality, horticulture, food, farming and craftsmanship come together to create exceptional experiences for our guests, members and visitors.

Our 6- 12-month rotational programme is specifically designed for current university students who are completing a hospitality-related degree and looking for an industry placement as part of their studies. You'll rotate across at least two departments, putting your academic learning into practice while gaining first‑hand experience of a diverse luxury hospitality operation.

This is an opportunity to develop your skills, build confidence and gain a deeper understanding of where your hospitality career could take you - all while continuing your university journey. Whether your passion lies in Food & Beverage, hotel operations or you're still discovering your future path, you'll learn from experienced teams and become an important part of life at The Newt.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete a 6-12-month industry placement as part of your university studies
• Rotate across at least two hospitality departments during your placement
• Put your academic learning into practice in a luxury hospitality environment
• Deliver warm, attentive and memorable experiences for our guests
• Gain practical experience across different styles of hospitality
• Build an understanding of how departments work together to create seamless guest experiences
• Embrace The Newt's bespoke, guest-centred approach to hospitality
• Take an active role in your learning and development throughout the programme

What we can offer

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Stay in shape with our complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% of Spa Treatments.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Discover exclusive perks with our Discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
• The opportunity to ensure your views are heard and shape the future of the business via our Employee Engine Room.
• Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan
• Complimentary meal whilst on shift, created using fresh produce from our estate by our dedicated staff food chefs
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme Newt Awards with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family
• A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities including monthly Gather and Grow Motivational Speakers and our regular fun squad events, which include activities such as Go-Karting and Wine Tasting, to name but a few.
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team

What we’re looking for

• A current university student studying towards a hospitality-related degree
• Intending to return to university to continue your studies following the placement
• Previous hospitality experience would be highly beneficial, particularly within a luxury setting
• A genuine passion for creating outstanding guest experiences
• Flexibility and adaptability when moving between departments and responsibilities
• A positive, proactive approach and willingness to learn
• Enthusiasm for building a future career within the hospitality industry

Where you’ll be working

Food & Beverage

With four distinct restaurants and seasonal menus shaped by our farm and gardens, our graduates gain hands‑on experience in delivering exceptional dining experiences across varied service styles.

Hotel

Our Hotel Host team collaborates closely with Reservations and Housekeeping to deliver unforgettable guest stays. Front Office graduates will explore the seamless interplay between departments, discovering the essence of Newt‑style hospitality.

Who are we- The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home‑away‑from‑home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambience of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences

INDAVR