Bluestone
What is Bluestone?
Set in woodland near Narberth; the brainchild of local tourism entrepreneur William McNamara, Bluestone Wales has the ambition to become the flagship holiday centre of a new generation of eco-friendly villages that aims to redefine short breaks in the UK.
Bluestone Wales opened its doors in the summer of 2008, on completion of the first phase of its development. The holiday village, hidden in a quiet valley, boasts shops, restaurants and traditional style houses. Dotted around the park are luxury log cabins. Holiday-makers access the many excellent facilities on foot or by pedal-power to keep the environment car-free. A spectacular water park, the Blue Lagoon, has also opened and is available to non-residents, featuring a spectacular wave action pool, a 'lazy river' that sends swimmers on a gentle meander outside and breathe-taking high speed water flumes.
The village also features a sports club, restaurants and an exclusive health and beauty salon. This development represents a unique challenge and opportunity for the region. Pembrokeshire College is playing a significant role in meeting this challenge in providing appropriate training and opportunities for Bluestone staff and College students.
Student opportunities
Students wishing to excel in the service, leisure and tourism sector now have the additional incentive of aspiring to obtain employment at what promises to be a high-quality establishment offering all year round employment opportunities.
Pembrokeshire College is working to assist Bluestone in obtaining the skilled workers it requires and in providing expertise and training to potential and current employees to work at what has been described as ‘a beginning of a renaissance in the tourism industry in this county’.
Managing Director William McNamara said: We're well aware that a development of this size will need a dedicated training programme. That's why we're working with Pembrokeshire College to create a ‘Bluestone Academy’, which will raise awareness of career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector; develop tourism courses up to degree level; provide top-up and development training, and ultimately create a centre of excellence in catering and hospitality in Pembrokeshire’.
