Biltmore Experience video script
Students from Enka and Erwin high schools visited the Biltmore Estate during the Spring
Semester 2009.
The world-famous house built by George Vanderbilt in the 19th century is a treasure-trove of
architectural treasures and antiques. But the students weren’t visiting Biltmore to go
sightseeing – they were there to think about their future careers.
Biltmore is much more than a mansion – it’s an 8,000 acre estate that includes a four-star hotel,
multiple restaurants, an outdoors center, and retail shops. These features make the Biltmore
Estate a hospitality paradise. Employing more than 1500 people, the Biltmore features myriad
career opportunities, and the estate recently opened its doors so that the students could get an
insider’s view of what makes the resort tick.
Biltmore employees introduced the students to opportunities in retail. The estate features
shops that sell everything from sweets to cookbooks to Christmas decorations and keepsakes.
The students were reminded that working in business and retail is not just helping shoppers – it
can also include traveling to purchasing conferences and managing money and employees.
Students also talked with culinary professionals at the estate. The Bistro’s head chef described
the fast-paced life of his kitchen employees as he escorted the students through three kitchens.
The students were able to watch the pros in action, and were treated to blueberry muffins
baked on the estate. Students were reminded that passion and dedication are requirements for
success in the culinary field. The hours are long and the tasks are demanding, but providing
guests with high-quality meals can be very rewarding.
The Inn on Biltmore estate is quickly becoming one of the nation’s most-renowned hotels, and
students were able to take a peek into luxurious guest suites, as well as go behind the scenes to
see the hotel’s kitchen and housekeeping areas. Working in guest services can open many
doors for students who enjoy helping others.
Students who are interested will have opportunities for job shadowing, internships, and
apprenticeships at the estate in the areas of retail, culinary, and hospitality management. In
addition, A-B Tech has developed two certificates in conjunction with the Biltmore Experience
that introduce students to college-level classes focused on the three subject areas covered in
the tours. A-B Tech instructors have also spoken to the students about career opportunities, as
well as about furthering their education on the college level.
Biltmore is known throughout the world as a fine tourist destination, but, thanks to the
Biltmore Experience, it is also a wonderful place for students from western North Carolina to
start thinking about their careers.