DURATION 6 Weeks
VOLUNTEERED HOURS
1,920
150 sq m AREA TRANSFORMED
Premier Inn & Wirral Met College
HOSPITALITY TRAINING CENTRE
Project Details
We partnered with Wirral Met College and Premier Inn to create a fully functioning hotel training facility, mirroring the real Premier Inn experience. Over six weeks, our team transformed an outdated space into an industry-grade environment for students aged 16–24.
Valued at over £50,000, the project was delivered free of charge through a donation of management, labour, and materials, reflecting our commitment to the community and our long-standing relationship with Whitbread.
Part of Whitbread’s national Thrive programme, the facility includes three en-suite bedrooms, a reception, corridor, and linen room – all built to operational hotel standards. It provides up to 36 students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) each year a safe, realistic setting to build hospitality skills and confidence for future employment.
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The standard is incredibly high. It is phenomenal — the transformation is unrecognisable. “ “
Director of Estates and Facilities
Project Process
We stripped back the original traditional officeclassroom environment and built a completely new space from the ground up.
Electricians ensured safe working conditions by isolating power, while the phased schedule allowed each trade to deliver on time and to the highest standards.
Working Environment
Safety came first. We collaborated with Wirral Met College from day one to ensure a secure and separate site, safeguarding staff, students, and our team throughout.
Up to 12 operatives worked onsite at once, supported by a seamless schedule of skilled trades: electricians, plumbers, floorers, partitioners, decorators, and more.
Giving Back
Participating in this phase of Whitbread’s Thrive programme gave CLC the chance to support a project with real social impact, reaching far beyond the construction itself.
The project was made possible through the generosity and collaboration of Whitbread’s supply chain, with many contributing essential materials and resources. As a long-standing partner to Premier Inn, it was especially rewarding for us to be part of something so impactful. The scheme removes barriers, champions inclusion, and creates opportunities for young adults in the SEND community.
Whitbread’s commitment to inclusive employment was recognised at the 2024 Disability Smart Awards, where the company won the Inclusive Recruitment Award.
The finished facility clearly demonstrates the positive impact the Thrive programme has made in preparing young people for meaningful careers. Beyond the build, Premier Inn continues to offer these students real career opportunities, helping to turn their training into lasting employment.
Specifications
Full refurbishment
Complete restructure of space
M&E works
Accessible UA bathrooms
Installation of furniture and appliances
Light-up mirrors, TVs and other Electrical installations
Installation of furniture and appliances
Carpet and vinyl installation
Partitioning, plastering & decoration
WIRRAL MET COLLEGE
Benefits
Authentic Experience
This facility is more than a visual replica of a Premier Inn — it is built and fitted to operate exactly like the hotels we deliver for the brand nationwide. From the quality of construction to the attention to branding, every detail meets the same high standards expected by Premier Inn and its guests.
The students can train in a genuine, fully functional environment. Bathrooms are plumbed, electrics are live, and all fixtures work exactly as they would in a commercial setting. This gives learners an authentic space to develop practical skills, build confidence, and prepare for real-world hospitality roles.
Real Workplace Experience
Students train in a space identical to a functioning Premier Inn, readying them for employment.
Guaranteed Job Opportunities
Those who complete the programme have direct access to paid roles at real Premier Inns.
Transferable Skills Hub
From reception to housekeeping, learners gain handson experience applicable across the hotel industry.
Fully Inclusive Design
Designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring all students can engage with the training environment.
