Our unique offer – The Yarrow hotel 

The Yarrow is a four-star training hotel in Broadstairs, and part of East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group) – a family of six further education colleges and nine adult training centres in Kent. 

The hotel is unique in being one of the only hotels owned and operated by a Further Education College in the UK.  

With training at its heart, The Yarrow gives hundreds of students a year the chance to learn across hotel in the salon, restaurant, bar, and more. This means Hair and Beauty students get to work on clients in the salon, Catering students work alongside kitchen staff to cook up delectable meals, Painting and Decorating students have helped with renovation projects, and so much more.  

It’s a rare opportunity for students to get a feel for the industry and put the skills they learn in the classroom to the test.  

Abbie studies T Level Management and Administration, and completed her placement across a variety of the hotel’s departments.  

She said: “I’ve worked on reception, in the restaurant, in housekeeping, and have gained an outlook on how the whole hotel runs.  

“I’ve gained confidence, and people skills while dealing with customers, and I’ve learned technology skills by learning how the website and booking systems work.” 

Meanwhile, Blake studies Level 3 Hospitality Supervision and Leadership, and completed her work experience in the Front of House Team.  

“I love setting up tables. I enjoy making everything look neat and symmetrical, placing the cutlery, and folding napkins – it’s really satisfying,” she said.  

“The biggest thing I’ve learnt is that there’s a lot more to it than just serving food – you develop confidence, communication, and people skills, and communication is vital in the kitchen.” 

From creating exceptional dining experiences to preparing delicious dishes behind the scenes and ensuring every guest has a superb experience, each placement offers valuable insight into the hospitality industry. 

The work experience on offer doesn’t just extend to students at EKC Broadstairs College, but is also available to students in Years 10 and 11 at Secondary Schools across East Kent, and to students at any of East Kent Colleges Group’s Colleges. 

Caine did his first week of work experience at The Yarrow when he was studying at Royal Harbour Academy in Ramsgate. 

During Year 10, he worked in the kitchens for one week, gaining an insight into how a professional kitchen runs and learning new skills. 

This experience inspired him to enroll on the Level 2 Catering course at EKC Broadstairs College. 

“My teachers at school were really encouraging and my catering teacher got in touch with The Yarrow to organise my work experience in Year 10,” Caine explained. 

“It was really inspiring because it’s a professional kitchen and you’re being taught by professionals. 

“I worked with other students to complete tasks like showing our teachers cutting methods. 

“I really enjoyed cheffing before and this work experience motivated me to carry on to apply for the Level 2 Catering course at EKC Broadstairs College. I’m looking to do my Level 3 next.” 

Caine is currently in the second year of his course and has been back to The Yarrow kitchens to do more work experience. 

“It’s a really useful skill to have and to be able to tell business when I’m looking for a job in the future,” he said. 

“You get a really unique experience and it’s really fun. The experience is also really helpful for when I go back to the classroom. Communication is really important so that has been built up too. 

“If you get experience in a proper kitchen, how it runs, it really helps for next steps.” 

Gaining hands-on experience in a real working environment can be the spark that shapes a young person’s future, and it’s this understanding that everyone at The Yarrow works for.  

Janka Billington, Student Progression Manager at The Yarrow, said: “Placing students within our industry can be challenging. 

“The Yarrow provides an exceptional range of opportunities that allow students to gain their first experience in a nurturing and supportive environment, with the hope of inspiring them to continue their journey and further develop their skills and passion.” 

Lee Osborn, who is the Group Director of Commercial Hospitality, and the hotel’s General Manager said: “The Yarrow is a jewel in the crown when it comes to what we can offer students at EKC Group. 

“It’s unique in being the only hotel owned by a College in the UK, and gives us a rare chance to ensure that the work experience provided is as robust and high quality as possible.  

“Alongside hosting students, we’re proud to be an award-winning, luxury hotel, which is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice quality to offer opportunities to the next generation.” 

Learn more about The Yarrow here.