A student who impressed managers on work experience has secured her first job at award-winning Welsh whisky producer Penderyn Distillery.

Charlotte Hook’s first experience of the working world came with a placement at the distillery organised by her tutor on the Travel and Tourism BTEC at the College, Merthyr Tydfil, earlier this year.

The 19-year-old from Aberdare performed so well in the role she was offered her first paid job at Penderyn Distillery, in the foothills of Bannau Brycheiniog, working as a tour guide.

Charlotte said she quickly found a passion for sharing Penderyn Distillery’s story of success with people who had travelled to Wales from all over the world to learn more about what makes the country special.

“I had a really amazing tutor Andrew Williams and he was finding placements for everyone,” Charlotte said.

“He managed to find me the placement at Penderyn Distillery lasting three months, working two days a week.

“I liked the fact that Penderyn (near Aberdare) is a small place but you’re seeing all these people coming in from all over the world to see what we have to offer. I also really liked the communication with visitors.”

Charlotte said she initially didn’t feel confident enough to apply for a role when it was advertised, but after sharing her disappointment at missing out with a colleague at Penderyn Distillery she was encouraged to apply. She was surprised to be offered a contract shortly after to begin work at the distillery. 

“Honestly, I love it,” Charlotte said.

“My brother lives in Stoke-on-Trent and recognises the brand and was keen to come see the tour.”

Laura Davies, General Manager of Distilleries, said: “We were so pleased to be able to provide a work experience placement for Charlotte, as we understand just how important hands-on experience is to these students.

“We were even more delighted to be able to offer her a paid role with us when that experience ended, having seen how wonderfully she engaged with our visitors and how quickly she picked things up. She’s become a much-valued member of the team.”

Andrew Williams, Travel and Tourism tutor at the College Merthyr Tydfil, said: “Charlotte moved to Merthyr having gone through most of her comprehensive schooling near Bristol.  She came to us accompanied by a very close friend and the two of them were stuck like glue through the whole of the Level 2 Travel and Tourism course.

“Unfortunately, Charlotte's friend left college at the start of the level three course, leaving Charlotte on her own. With a real lack of confidence, Charlotte spent the next two years coming into college, sitting in her lesson and going home, with little to no interaction with her peers.

“Charlotte has never had a part time job. She'll tell you she was too insecure to apply so as the course went on it was evident that even with all the BTEC qualifications behind her, her CV was looking very limited.

“It was Sarah Lloyd at Penderyn Distillery that took a chance by supporting the college and taking Charlotte on work placement over an eight-week period. Charlotte did so well with them she was asked to work weekends and they offered her a job in May.”