Driving long-term value

Progressing Into First Management

23 year old Mia joined us whilst studying Travel & Tourism at university, looking for a job that could flex around her studies. Now a graduate, Mia was keen to stay after discovering the range of development opportunities available at Whitbread, like our Progressing Into First Management programme. The course helped her to build the skills, both technical and behavioural, that she needed to step into her next role, as well as creating a personal development plan to keep learning and progressing. Mia subsequently stepped through to being a Duty Manager and is now a Hotel Manager.

“I have loved the programme and everything it has opened up for me, I never thought it would be possible, but my managers were so supportive: I even thanked them in my dissertation!”

Mia-Rose, Hotel Manager 

Apprenticeship 

Helen joined us in 2018 after an unexpected career change and in that time has progressed from being a housekeeper to now managing four hotels as one of our Multi-Site Hotel Managers. Personal development is so important to Helen, and when she learned she could do an apprenticeship alongside her role at Premier Inn, she jumped at the opportunity. Apprenticeships have been a huge part of Helen’s journey with us; she even won the apprentice of the year award.

“I’m a really motivated individual who loves to learn, so being at Whitbread really suited me. If I don’t keep learning, I’ll go stale. I’m on my third apprenticeship here and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. I’m so proud of everything I’ve achieved, I didn’t want to be a 53-year‑old doing a job that didn’t make me proud.”

Helen, Multi-site Hotel Manager 

Barnardo’s Care Experience Young People 

Sean joined Premier Inn in October 2025 and has grown in confidence ever since; he is now a Housekeeper based in one of our Edinburgh hotels. He has integrated well into the wider team and everyone speaks highly of his energy, willingness to learn, and the care and attention he gives to his job. His cheerful manner was apparent right from job application and his manager believes he could progress to do more roles with us over time. 

His manager said: 

“We’re a really close team and through understanding the needs of our team and the individuals in them we can adapt and support Sean.”

“Not many people give people like me a chance and it’s made me feel really good about myself to have the opportunity with Premier Inn. I want to keep doing better for myself and my family.”

Sean, Housekeeper 

Data, Digital & Technology Graduate

Cyrus graduated with a Chemistry BSc from the University of Nottingham in 2025 and has since found himself working in Technology. He was attracted to the Whitbread scheme because it offered the chance to explore this as a career path without requiring a Technology background or associated degree, something few other schemes he looked into provided. This, combined with the recognition Whitbread regularly receives as a UK Top Employer and Premier Inn’s exciting growth internationally, he felt it was an exciting time to join the business. 

So far, he has learnt how interconnected the Technology world is, with projects spanning various teams and organisations. It’s a constantly evolving environment that keeps things exciting and fresh and there is always something new to learn.

“I am particularly excited to spend a month in Germany to learn more about Whitbread’s expanding operations there. Overall, I believe Whitbread is a great place to work and gives me the opportunity to work on projects with tangible impact and where the benefits can be seen directly at sites. Not many office jobs can offer that!”

Cyrus

Housekeeping Team Member, Thrive Alumni 

Claire began her journey with Whitbread through the Thrive Programme after learning housekeeping skills at Derwen College’s Mini Premier Inn training facility.

She started her first paid role in 2015 and recently celebrated her ten year work anniversary with Premier Inn. Over the past decade, she has grown in confidence and become a much loved member of the team in Berwick Upon Tweed.

Hotel Manager Rosalind Bache says, 

“Claire is incredibly bubbly and lively. Everyone gets on well with her.”

“I’m so happy here in Berwick. I have so many friends and I love working at Premier Inn.”

Claire, HOUSEKEEPER 

People Apprentice 

Robbin joined Whitbread as a People Apprentice in October 2025, having achieved a Triple Distinction in a National Extended Diploma in Business from Central Bedfordshire College. She was attracted to Whitbread because of its genuine commitment to developing young talent, and felt it was the perfect place for her to start and grow her career. Her role gives her the opportunity to lead key projects within Talent, Development and Inclusion, gain experience across the wider People function, while studying for a L5 People Professional qualification via an Apprenticeship.

“Joining Whitbread after college opened doors I never expected so early in my career. With the support of my team; who have encouraged me, offered guidance, and pushed me towards new opportunities; I’ve been able to grow, learn, and get involved in meaningful work that celebrates the achievements of people across the organisation. Starting my first apprenticeship here has been a hugely positive experience, and I’m excited to see what comes next at Whitbread.”

Robbin, PEOPLE APPRENTICE