Tŷ Hotel Newport, which opened in 2024, is using part of its £9.7m funding from Cardiff Capital Region’s Strategic Premises Fund to finance on site practical training for hospitality students as it prepares the next generation for careers in the sector.
The Celtic Collection, which manages the hotel, collaborated with the University of South Wales to create a paid nine-month placement programme which provides hands on experience for students as they complete the practical training components of their hospitality and business management courses.
The two successful applicants, Deepu Chandran and Dilakshan Classen, began their placement at Coldra Court Hotel before moving over to Tŷ Hotel Newport for the hotel’s launch and the busy period following the opening.
The 146-bed hotel opened on 2 June, following a £9.7m investment from Cardiff Capital Region’s Strategic Premises Fund to finance the completion.
The investment was particularly focused on improving the environmental outputs in the hotel, with all gas-powered functions having been replaced with an all-electric system that uses heat pumps and photovoltaic panels on the roof.
The hotel is well placed to support the increasing level of activity at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICCW) and its opening coincided with the Royal College of Nursing’s conference.
Deepu and Dilakshan’s experience has provided the pair with opportunities to work in conferences and events, food and beverage and front office, to engage with the senior team in the Newport region of the Celtic Collection and pursue employment at the hotel following the completion of the placement.
Tracy Israel, Director of Talent and Development at the Celtic Collection, said: “We were delighted to partner with the University of South Wales to create these two placement opportunities at our Newport cluster hotels. It was a fantastic chance for the students to be part of an exciting launch at Tŷ Hotel Newport and to get hands-on experience at a brand new venue which sets new sustainability standards as the largest all-electric hotel in Wales.
“Both Dilakshan and Deepu have immersed themselves in a wide variety of hotel and hospitality roles with enthusiasm and shown great aptitude for the work. We hope that they will be able to continue their careers with the Celtic Collection when they complete their placements and their MBA studies.”
Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, Leader of Newport Council and member of Cardiff Capital Region, said: “In keeping with CCR’s aim of making South East Wales a desirable place to live, work and invest, Tŷ Hotel Newport provides the perfect accompaniment to the various corporate and leisure events hosted at the ICCW and brings a significant positive economic impact to the local area by drawing guests to the region.
“The hotel highlights what Cardiff Capital Region can do with the Strategic Premises Fund and the success it can bring to local projects. I am delighted to see the hotel bring further benefits to the community through this collaboration with the University of South Wales to train the next generation of hospitality talent.”
Dr Andrew Thompson, Head of Subject for Global Business at University of South Wales, said: “We have been delighted to partner our MBA Global students at the University of South Wales, Deepu Chandran and Dilakshan Classen, with the Celtic Collection leading into the launch of Tŷ Hotel Newport. The Celtic Manor has a reputation far beyond Wales, and for students seeking to pursue careers in hospitality management we could not have wished for a more exciting collaboration.
“Deepu and Dilakshan have both gained experience which will stand them in good stead for their future careers, hopefully remaining here for a while longer in Wales. I would like to extend my thanks to Tracy Israel, Director of Talent and Development at the Celtic Collection, for championing our students’ interests.”
