De Vere Wokefield Estate
De Vere Wokefield Estate set in 250 acres of rural Berkshire parkland is home to a historic Mansion House filled with traditional features and the contemporary Wokefield Place that offers state of the art facilities. It has 376 bedrooms and suites, 39 meeting rooms with large event space and a high tech dedicated conference building, an 18-hole PGA approved championship golf course and leisure club. Benedict's Bar, The 1560 Restaurant, The View Restaurant and our Summerhouse are some of our amazing food and beverage options at Wokefield Estate: there really is something for everyone.
Your commute: just outside Reading, we're 10 minutes from J11 of the M4, with fast and direct trains from London Paddington to Reading Train station.
At De Vere, we warmly welcome everyone and foster a sense of belonging, where each person is valued and appreciated. Join our team and become part of a passionate group of individuals who genuinely care about the experiences we create for our guests and colleagues.
Emerging Leader - Apprenticeship
Are you exploring your career options or considering an alternative to university? Why not kickstart your career in hospitality with the De Vere Emerging Leader Programme?
At De Vere Wokefield Estate, our Emerging Leader Programme is designed for individuals who are passionate about hospitality, events, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. This structured development programme will give you the skills, experience, and confidence to begin a successful career in the industry.
About the Programme
The programme runs for 15–18 months, during which you will gain hands-on experience across a range of departments that make a large hotel and events venue run smoothly.
By the end of the programme, you will have developed the skills and knowledge required to progress into your first supervisory role within hospitality. You will also have the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor apprenticeship qualification (if you don’t already hold one).
Programme Structure
You will begin with a 6-month foundation phase, rotating through six core departments: Conference & Events, Bar, Restaurant, Reception, Housekeeping, and Kitchen. This will give you a well-rounded understanding of hotel operations.
Following this, you will complete two additional 3-month rotations—one aligned with business needs and one based on your personal interests—where you will begin to develop your supervisory skills and take on more responsibility.
In the final 3–6 months, you will specialise in your chosen department, focusing on building the expertise needed for your future career path.
Throughout the programme, you will be supported by a dedicated mentor and take part in development days alongside other Emerging Leaders, as well as additional training and qualifications.
Start Date & Working Hours
This is a full-time programme starting on Tuesday 1st September 2026. Due to the nature of hospitality, you will work a variety of shifts including early mornings (from 6am), evenings, and late finishes (up to 2am for events), across weekdays and weekends.
Benefits:
The Pay & Benefits:
In addition to a structured and supportive development programme, you will receive:
• £26,728 per annum (to be reviewed in April 2027)
• A £1,000 completion bonus and bespoke gift upon finishing the programme / your apprenticeship
• A friendly and inclusive working environment where individuality is valued
• An additional paid day off for your birthday, plus a £20 Love2Shop voucher
• Complimentary 2-night stay at a De Vere property for your employment anniversary, plus long service rewards and staff room rates from £50 per night
• Free meals whilst on duty
