Pupils from across Renfrewshire have been given the chance to gain first-hand experience of what a career in hospitality and tourism could be like at a recent career event.
Around 200 young people from Renfrewshire secondary schools attended the Hospitality & Tourism Takeover Event at West College Scotland’s Paisley campus on Thursday 9 March to participate in an interactive programme of activities aimed at encouraging them to consider hospitality and tourism as potential career paths.
The students took part in a series of hands-on interactive workshops covering cookery, tourism and customer service with the support of industry specialists.
Councillor Jacqueline Henry, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education Policy Board, said: “Events like this promote the range of careers open to students and in this case demonstrate the wide range of exciting opportunities available within the hospitality and tourism sector. This kind of hands-on event links directly with Curriculum for Excellence and helps build important life skills for young people which helps develop a strong young workforce.
Full list of winners:
Chef Superstar:
- Jack McLean – Gryffe High School
- Andrew Boyce – Johnstone High School
- Latisha Thomas – Park Mains High School
Travel & Tourism Zone Superstar:
- Ellie Durkin – St Benedict’s High School
World Class Service Superstar:
- Sky McEwan – Paisley Grammar
Rising Stars of the Future
- Carrie Donelly – St Andrew’s Academy
- Aby Thomson – Castlehead High School
- Tony Lamont – Trinity High School
- Elena Dixon- Gleniffer High School
- Tony Christie – Johnstone High School
During the workshops the students were observed by the workshop leaders who were on the lookout for young people who showed the most skill and enthusiasm. Winners were then selected from each training area and presented with a prize.
“It is important that we continue to give young people as much information as possible on the range of careers open to them in order to better equip them to plan for their future.”
The Hospitality & Tourism Takeover Event was delivered by Renfrewshire Council in partnership with Springboard Charity and West College Scotland.
If Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 is successful it will attract around 1 million visitors and that will increase the numbers of jobs available in these areas – so it is important we highlight the range of career opportunities available.