HIGHLAND hospitality businesses have teamed up with the UHI North Highland university to launch a new hospitality training course.
The ‘First Steps into Hospitality’ course was developed in conjunction with business owners in the area and will give students an insight into the various careers the sector has to offer.
Running across 18 weeks, the course will give students the opportunity to interact with a number of Highland businesses, including Mackay’s Hotel, Linds House, Skibo Castle, Glenmorangie House and the Highland Coast Hotels collection (Royal Marine Hotel, Royal Golf Hotel, Kylesku Hotel, Tongue Hotel and the Plockton Inn).
Graduates will secure an SVQ 2 qualification in hospitality services and will also be guaranteed an interview with a hospitality employer after completing the course.
Andrew Mackay, owner of hotels group the Caithness Collection and a director of Highland tourism organisation Venture North, said the goal of the new course is to ‘help inspire hospitality careers across the region’.
“This new ‘First Steps Into Highland Hospitality’ course is exactly what our fantastic industry needs, offering a perfect blend of learning and on the job experience to entice and excite new candidates and help them see the amazing, exciting and enriching industry we’re lucky to have in Caithness and Sutherland,” said Mackay.
“Venture North is continuing to work in collaboration with organisations and communities across the region to maximise the benefits of the visitor economy, including tourism and hospitality skills development and training.”
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 North Highland 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.”
