Next generation of interns steps forward at Wirral’s mini–Premier Inn
Wirral Council’s commitment to improving opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is once again in action as a new group of interns begins their journey at Wirral’s innovative mini-Premier Inn training academy. The facility, developed through a partnership between Wirral Council, Whitbread (parent company of Premier Inn), and Wirral Met College - forms part of the Council’s wider programme to expand supported internships and improve SEND employment pathways.
Opened last September and funded in part through Wirral Council’s support for Whitbread’s national Thrive Programme, the bespoke training environment mirrors a real Premier Inn hotel, complete with reception area, bedrooms, laundry and staff facilities. It enables young people with SEND to gain practical hospitality skills in a safe, professional space while preparing them for supported internships at Premier Inn and ultimately, opportunities for paid employment with Whitbread.
Since its launch, the programme has already seen one intern secure permanent employment at Premier Inn Birkenhead, demonstrating the scheme’s real and immediate impact. This year’s new cohort - including interns Michael Davis and Jamie Blair - now steps forward to continue that momentum.
For student, Michael Davis, the internship represents a lifelong ambition.
I’ve been interested in hospitality for years. When I was a kid, I even wanted to start my own hotel. I want to strive for success and show people like me that they can do it.
Michael loves interacting with guests, communicating with people and takes great pride in what he calls the “secret service of bed making.” He added:
I want people to see that I’ve made a difference to Premier Inn, and one day I’d love to run my own team. I also want to raise awareness of epilepsy and show others what’s possible.
The experience has significantly boosted his confidence and independence.
Completing an entire room by myself was a huge moment. It proved to me how much I’ve grown.
Fellow student Jamie Blair admits he wasn’t sure the programme was right for him at first.
I didn’t want to stay in college originally. But I wanted a purpose in life, and I wanted to earn a living. The structure of the programme and the support from the team really changed my mind.
Jamie says he enjoys being organised and thrives in the friendly team environment. Each morning he arrives punctually, completing one room before moving straight onto the next - a rhythm that recently helped him break his personal best with a room completed to standard in just 30 minutes.
Alongside the internship, Jamie is also studying for his GCSEs.
My goal now is to be the second person to get a job from this course. Seeing someone else do it has made me believe it’s possible.
Jamie has also learned to overcome his own perfectionism:
I used to stress if things weren’t perfect straight away. Now I’m learning it’s okay to improve as you go.
Michael has transitioned from needing prompts to confidently taking initiative, while Jamie has learned to overcome perfectionism and embrace progress. They both praised their colleagues, mentors and job coaches for providing consistent, helpful support. With only 4.8% of people with learning difficulties in paid employment, initiatives like this are vital. The mini‑Premier Inn forms part of Wirral Council’s wider aim to expand supported internships by the end of 2026.
Demand for the scheme continues to grow, and next year the cohort is expected to reach 10–12 students, further cementing Wirral’s position as home to the only programme of its kind in the region.
Chair of the Children, Young People and Education Committee, Stephen Bennett, said:
Seeing a young person from the very first cohort move into permanent employment shows exactly why this programme matters. Now, with Michael, Jamie and the rest of the new cohort stepping forward, we’re watching even more talent shine. This partnership with Premier Inn and Wirral Met is helping our young people build skills, confidence and futures they can be proud of - and that strengthens our whole community.
