Our Values | Seren

Welcome to The Seren Academy

The Seren Academy Programme opens the door to a career in premium hospitality. In partnership with four leading colleges across South West and North Wales, we’ve developed a tailored programme that brings students inside our award-winning hotels and restaurants to experience the industry first-hand. Whether you’re training in business, catering or tourism, the Seren Academy offers a valuable link between college and career.

This is your chance to gain practical insight into one of the UK’s most exciting industries, right here in Wales.

Our Seren Collection

Hidden in the rolling Narberth hills, surrounded by meadows, woodland and mature gardens, if you weren’t looking for the Grove you might just miss it.

Designed for the Future of Hospitality

The Seren Experience Programme was created to give students a genuine understanding of what it takes to thrive in high-end hospitality. Over the course of the academic year, you’ll gain first-hand experience across different departments, learn from seasoned professionals, and see how teamwork, creativity and service come together in real-world settings.

We want to empower you with the skills, confidence, and inspiration to build a meaningful career, whether in kitchens, guest services, or management.

What You Can Expect

As part of the Seren Experience Programme, students take part in a series of activities designed to immerse you in the day-to-day life of a luxury venue. These include:

Paid Work Placements
Gain hands-on experience in key hospitality departments including front of house, kitchen, restaurant, reception and housekeeping.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Get an insider’s look at how our venues operate and meet the teams who bring them to life.
Hosted Lunches
Enjoy a taste of Seren hospitality with hosted meals at each of our four venues.
Guest Chef Nights
See what it’s like to collaborate in a real kitchen as our award-winning chefs visit colleges and work alongside you to create unforgettable food.
College Visits & Masterclasses
Our leadership and culinary teams visit your college to deliver career talks, practical masterclasses, and advice on succeeding in the industry.

Student Bursaries & Summer Placements

Each year, students who complete placements with us will be eligible to take part in a unique ‘On the Job’ Service Competition. From those taking part, six students will be selected to receive a £1,000 bursary to help support their continued studies at Level 3.

Outstanding students may also be invited to return for an extended paid summer placement at one of our venues, a six-week opportunity to build your experience, strengthen your CV, and get a real feel for working in a top-tier environment. For those who excel, this could be the first step towards a full-time role after graduation.

Learn from Wales’ Leading Hospitality Talent

You’ll also have the chance to work alongside some of the most respected names in Welsh hospitality. Our programme is led by celebrated chefs and managers, including:

Douglas Balish | Executive Chef | Grove of Narberth
Karen de Koning | General Manager | Grove of Narberth
Hywel Griffith | Chef Director | Beach House
Megan Rust | Restaurant Manager | Beach House
Gerwyn Jones | Head Chef | Lan y Môr
Nikos Chatzitheodorakis | Restaurant Manager | Lan y Môr
Dan Andree | Head Chef | Penmaenuchaf
Christie Hayes | Hotel Manager | Penmaenuchaf

These senior figures regularly host Guest Chef Nights and contribute to our college lecture programme. They bring a wealth of experience and are passionate about helping young people find their place in the industry.

How to Apply

If you’re a student at one of our partner colleges and are interested in joining the Seren Experience Programme, speak to your course tutor or careers advisor to register your interest.

Applications are managed through each college and placements are limited, so we recommend getting in early.

You’ll be asked to share a little about your interests, what area of hospitality excites you most, and why you’d like to take part. We’re not looking for experience, just enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.

Realise Your Potential

Welcome to The Seren Academy

Our Seren Collection