Copthorne Hotel Merry Hill-Dudley is helping to inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals by giving local students a closer look at the career opportunities within the industry.

In June, General Manager Mr Stuart Fleming and Head Chef Mr Robert Hawdon visited Beacon Hill Academy for an interactive Q&A session with 20 learners interested in hospitality careers. Drawing on their own experiences, Stuart and Robert shared insights into hotel operations, career pathways and the wide variety of roles available. The hotel is now arranging a visit for the students, giving them the opportunity to see a working hotel first-hand and better understand the skills and teamwork behind its daily operations.

“It’s important to give learners an insight into how rewarding and diverse a career in hospitality can be,” said General Manager Mr Stuart Fleming. “In the UK, hospitality isn’t seen as a career option by the vast majority of the population, so showing young people the possibilities open to them is key to bringing through the next generation of hospitality professionals.”

The initiative builds on the hotel’s longstanding support for schools in the region. It regularly provides work-experience placements for students aged 14 to 15, helping them gain practical skills and a better understanding of the industry.

The hotel currently works closely with Ormiston Forge Academy, Redhill School, The Wordsley School and Kingswinford Academy. In 2025, it also took part in The Wordsley School’s “Careers & Croissants” event, where around 30 students met professionals from different sectors and explored potential career paths.

Through school visits, hotel tours and work-experience opportunities, Copthorne Hotel Merry Hill-Dudley continues to help young people discover the breadth of careers available in hospitality.