Applications for hospitality training initiative close on 16th January
PEOPLE from across Scotland’s hospitality and tourism industries have until 16th January to apply for a place on a fully-funded training initiative which aims to develop talent across the sectors.
Now in its second year, the Tourism and Hospitality Talent Development Programme (THTDP) is open for applications from across the industry, with applicants able to choose from the supervisory level, undertaking eight modules over eight weeks; or the management or leadership levels, which comprise six modules delivered over six weeks.
There are 1500 places available on this year’s virtual programme, which is delivered by the Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland and the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA), and supported by the Scottish Government.
David Cochrane, chief executive of HIT Scotland, said the programme, which was a recommendation of the Tourism Task Force, aims to “motivate and develop top talent, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and networks to lead the industry through recovery”.
“Through the industry-led development of the THTDP, we can ensure that individuals and their businesses will receive inspirational learning and create that sense of belonging which we will all need to chart our way to recovery and beyond,” he said.
Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said it has “never been more important to protect, nurture, grow and retain the talent that exists within our tourism and hospitality sectors”.
“This is a vital part of our tourism offering; the warm, talented and passionate people who work in our industry offer a unique point of difference in terms of visitor experience, one that Scotland is so well known for the world over,” he said.
“Our tourism industry has a critical role to play in the recovery of Scotland’s economy and the opening of the second round of the programme has come at a time when, again, we find ourselves operating very much in crisis mode but with the resilience and determination to take every opportunity to strengthen, rebuild and recover.”