Around 16,000 17-18 year olds decided to defer their studies in 2022 and embark on that coming of age rite of passage, the gap year. In fact, it’s estimated that 186,000 18–24-year-olds are currently using the time between leaving school and entering university to travel, work and gain valuable life experience both here in the UK and abroad.
At Watergate Bay we offer a unique gap year programme that allows aspiring hospitality workers to gain experience in the industry while working in a passionate, professional atmosphere and a stunning beach-side location, with all the perks that brings!
We spoke to a member of our 2022 gap year programme cohort, Nathan Blake, to gain an insight into what this involves and why his experience has been so positive.
How did you hear about Watergate Bay and what motivated you to join the Gap year programme?
I’d always planned to take a year out before University, but was unsure of what I wanted to do during that time. I’d already had some hospitality experience and I came across the Watergate Bay Hotel Gap year programme via Facebook, which made me want to find out more about the hotel.
I had a look through Watergate’s website which gave me a good overview of the hotel, the roles available and where I might be working. I’d never been to Cornwall, but had always been intrigued by the beach lifestyle and by looking at the hotel’s ecological ethos it sounded like a perfect environment to live and work in.
Because of the wide variety of roles at Watergate Bay, from restaurants and bars, Kids’ Zone, housekeeping, operations and administration, we want to make sure our gap year programme team members experience as wide a variety as possible. As part of the programme, team members work on a rotating monthly schedule, meaning that you’ll get to experience every aspect of running a hotel, restaurant and hospitality business.
What does a typical day look like as part of the gap year programme?
That’s the thing, there is never a standard day to day procedure! One of my favourite aspects of the programme is the spontaneity it brings, which comes from rotating job roles every month. So far, I’ve worked at The Beach Hut restaurant, Zacry’s restaurant, with the housekeeping team and at head office with the sustainability and engagement manager, Helen.
It’s important to know that the hours can sometimes be long and shift patterns can change depending on the role which can be tiring, but the moments of joy are out of this world. When I was working in The Beach Hut restaurant, I’d often go for a surf before my shift. You live with the other members of the Gap year team, so we always end up staying awake, waiting for everyone to come back home and just have a laugh about the events of the day.
Working at the hotel has other benefits too. We pride ourselves on the work-life balance we offer. All our team members can access healthcare, an online training portal with over 600 personal and professional development courses, free surf lessons and access to the team assistance scheme. You’ll also be eligible for discounted rates for treatments at the Swim Club and can take advantage of quieter periods to stay at the hotel with our friends and family rates.
We also run a packed social events calendar so you can socialise with other team members and build friendships that will stay with you for life!
What do you enjoy most about working at Watergate Bay?
The family feel you have with team members. Moving away from home can be daunting and may take you a while to settle in, but the work-life balance helped me to find my footing. I didn’t realise that a lot of the team live in team accommodation. This has been a real positive, because it allows you to have a network of friends inside and outside of work. I’ve also enjoyed taking up the offer of free surf hire, one of the perks you get working at Watergate. This has allowed me to learn to surf and appreciate the elements right on the doorstep.
What would you say you have gained from this experience?
I’ve always had tunnel vision in respect to my future but having this year out has taught me a lot of things. Most of all I’ve gained a real insight into working life before graduation. Knowing what I want from a career and how I like to work has changed my future plans completely and my possible degree path.
Being able to earn money whilst gaining experience has given me the further freedom to do other things such as travel. The whole experience is invaluable and will kickstart not only your professional career but your direction in life.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying to the Gap year programme?
You’ll be working full-time so be prepared and sure that want to dedicate this amount of time to the business. When I applied, I didn’t know everything about the hospitality industry or the business itself, but one thing I will promise is that Watergate will blow you away. There’s been many times I’ve been working while the sun has been setting and the sunset skies never cease to amaze me.
Don’t hesitate, just apply!
Recruitment for our Gap Year Programme starts in August, so if you think you'd like to join us or want to find out more get in touch.