Hospitality Graduate Trainee Programme

The Newt in Somerset; Castle Cary; On-site; GBP 1,575,000 - 2,243,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gym access

Spa access

30% staff discount

Complimentary meals on shift

Hotel stays discount for staff

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

The Newt in Somerset is inviting graduates to join its Luxury Hospitality Graduate Trainee Programme. You’ll rotate across at least two departments, learning from seasoned leaders and building the foundation for a future leadership role.

Based on the estate near Castle Cary (BA7), this full-time programme offers hands-on experience, mentorship, and access to development opportunities including Management Development, WSET qualifications and estate experiences.

Qualifications

• A recent graduate in Business, Hospitality Management or a related field.
• Previous hospitality experience, ideally gained within a luxury or high-quality environment.
• Exceptional customer service skills and enthusiasm for hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Rotate across at least two departments, building practical experience and a strong understanding of our wider operation.
• Deliver warm, intuitive and exceptional service to our guests throughout every placement.
• Work closely with experienced colleagues and leaders to learn The Newt’s distinctive approach to hospitality.
• Take an active role in the Management Development Programme and wider learning opportunities.
• Build knowledge of food, beverage, hotel and guest experience operations.
• Develop leadership, communication and decision-making skills through hands‑on experience.
• Embrace feedback, coaching and mentoring to support your continued development.

Skills

Hospitality experience

Education

Recent graduate in Business/Hospitality Management or related field

Job description

Graduate Trainee Programme

£13.86 per hour plus fantastic benefits

Full-time, working across 5 days, including regular weekends and evenings. Based onsite - BA7

Due to the location of the Estate, a driving licence is recommended for this role.

Flexible start dates throughout the year

Take a look at our website

Start your hospitality career somewhere extraordinary – learn from the best, experience every corner of luxury hospitality and build the foundations to become one of our future leaders.

Our Graduate Trainee Programme

Join us at The Newt in Somerset, an award-winning luxury country estate set amongst beautiful gardens, ancient woodland and rolling farmland, complete with cyder orchards, elegant hotels and world-class restaurants. We are proud to be a 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.

It is a truly special place where exceptional hospitality, creativity and a deep connection to the land come together, giving our graduates the opportunity to learn and develop in one of the country’s most celebrated hospitality destinations.

Our tailored Graduate Trainee Programme gives you the chance to experience this unique environment first-hand, turning your hospitality experience and academic knowledge into the foundations of an exciting career. Rotating between at least two departments and supported by a dedicated mentor, you’ll gain a broad understanding of our distinctive approach to luxury hospitality while developing the confidence, skills and leadership experience to progress.

Along the way, you’ll have access to exceptional development opportunities including our Management Development Programme, WSET qualifications and Estate Experiences Programme. By the end of the programme, you’ll be ready to take your next step into a Team Leader role or beyond, with further opportunities including our Advanced Management Development Programme, The Newt Ambassador Programme and Talent Development Programme with Cranfield University.

Key Responsibilities

• Rotate across at least two departments, building practical experience and a strong understanding of our wider operation.
• Deliver warm, intuitive and exceptional service to our guests throughout every placement.
• Work closely with experienced colleagues and leaders to learn The Newt’s distinctive approach to hospitality.
• Take an active role in the Management Development Programme and wider learning opportunities.
• Build knowledge of food, beverage, hotel and guest experience operations.
• Develop leadership, communication and decision-making skills through hands‑on experience.
• Embrace feedback, coaching and mentoring to support your continued development.
• Act as an ambassador for The Newt, bringing enthusiasm, curiosity and a genuine passion for hospitality to every rotation.

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 recent graduate in Business, Hospitality Management or a related field.
• Previous hospitality experience, ideally gained within a luxury or high-quality environment.
• A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Exceptional customer service skills, with the ability to connect naturally with guests and anticipate their needs.
• An adaptable and flexible approach, with enthusiasm for experiencing different departments and ways of working.
• Confidence working collaboratively as part of a team while taking ownership of your own development.
• Curiosity, ambition and the drive to progress into a future leadership role.
• Knowledge or experience of food and beverage operations would be a bonus.

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 ambiance 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