Hospitality course for north Highlands 'exactly what our industry needs'
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A new course is being served up by UHI North Highland and businesses across the area with the aim of encouraging more people into hospitality careers.
Starting this month, First Steps into Highland Hospitality gives students an opportunity to link up with a local hospitality employer, gaining an insight into the different departments and the career opportunities the sector has to offer.
The course is designed to give students a mix of learning and hands-on experience, resulting in an SVQ 2 qualification in Hospitality Services, along with a portfolio of skills endorsed by employers, in just 18 weeks.
Students will also be guaranteed an interview with a hospitality employer on successful completion of the course.
It has been developed with the support of local employers who worked alongside curriculum staff to identify the needs of the industry.
Andrew Mackay, owner of the Caithness Collection of hotels and a Venture North board member, said: "It was with great excitement I heard about UHI North Highland’s plans for creating this hospitality course. It is exactly what our fantastic industry requires.
"This course in hospitality is a perfect blend of learning and on-the-job experience to entice and excite new candidates and help them see the amazing, enriching industry that I fell in love with so many years ago."
A number of other employers in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross-shire have shown support, offering work placements for students embarking on the course. They include Skibo Castle, Mackays Hotel, the Seaview, Links House, Kincraig Castle Hotel, the Ulbster Arms, Glenmorangie House and the Highland Coast Hotels collection including the Royal Marine (Brora), the Royal Golf (Dornoch), Kylesku Hotel, Tongue Hotel and the Plockton Inn.
Roddy Watt, CEO of Highland Coast Hotels and a member of Venture North, said: “This is wonderful news – a short, sharp, targeted course aimed at school leavers, those returning to work or those seeking a change in career direction.
"Intimately integrated with employers, this course will provide not only a tremendous entry point for those considering the hospitality sector as a career choice but a ready source of people to support the industry’s development.
"The short, 18-week nature of the course should also make it far more accessible and appealing for many, rather than a longer course commitment.”
Debbie Murray, principal and chief executive of UHI North Highland, said: “We are delighted to continue to develop and grow our hospitality provision in partnership with our employers across the area.
"In offering a short, intensive programme with dedicated industry experience we are ensuring that students gain the best possible start in what could be a long and satisfying career.
More information about First Steps into Highland Hospitality can be found on the UHI North Highland website. Applications are now open.
