The Springboard Charity launches its 5th Scottish Tourism Careers Festival this month (1st – 31st March) where 1500 ambassadors from over 100 businesses will be promoting work in the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors, supported by the two-Michelin-starred Chef at Gleneagles, Andrew Fairlie.
The charity, which promotes careers in the Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Sectors to young people and those considering a career in the industry, has kick-started the Festival during Scottish Apprenticeship Week 29th Feb till 4th March, with various school cooking demonstrations and open days in over 160 schools and local community venues.
Businesses taking part in the Festival, which is designed to strengthen and increase engagement with parents, job seekers, and careers advisors to showcase everything the tourism industry has to offer, includes Apex Hotel, Citizen M Hotel and Glasgow City Chambers.
Two-Michelin-starred Chef at Gleneagles, Andrew Fairlie, said: “Everyone loves eating out and celebrating special occasions which is why there will always be opportunities for young people to have a career in the hospitality industry.
“This Festival, which I’m delighted to support, is a great way to showcase the different type of jobs available, and for those who are interested, to attend an open day or conference and learn more about how this can be a long-term rewarding career, with great prospects.”
Kelly Johnstone, Scotland Director at The Springboard Charity & Springboard UK, said: “We are expecting this year to be the biggest and best festival yet based on the increased number of businesses taking part and additional activities taking place throughout the month, showcasing just how vibrant and dynamic this industry is.
“We want people to come along to any of the events going on throughout March, listed on our website, and learn more about the different roles, opportunities and skill sets needed to work in the industry and speak to people working in the sector to find out just how rewarding and enjoyable it can be.”
Willie Pike, MBE MasterChef and Founder of the Scottish Chefs Conference, said: “Young people are the future of our hospitality and tourism industry, which is why events like The Scottish Tourist Careers Festival is a great way to tap into them. It’s a great opportunity to inspire them by highlighting all of the fantastic career and job opportunities available and hearing this from some of Scotland’s most talented chefs, like Andrew Fairlie, who have made the journey in the exciting and vibrant industry, from the bottom to the top.”
Lawrence Durden, Tourism Industry Manager, Skills Development Scotland (SDS), said: “SDS is delighted to support The Scottish Tourism Careers Festival. This unique initiative is a key part of the Scottish tourism industry strategy to address skills issues facing the sector.
“The Festival is a great platform to specifically addresses the need to raise the attractiveness of the sector as a career of first choice by showcasing the great career opportunities the sector has to offer.”
To celebrate this year’s festival The Springboard Charity is also embarking on major social media campaign by asking people to record a short 30-second video about their job in the tourism industry, (or photo with caption) touching on duties and memorable moments, and post it on social media @springboard_uk #TourismCareersFest16.
Laura Burdin, Meeting and Events Manager a Doubletree by Hilton in Dundee, who started out as an apprentice, said: “My advice to any youngsters thinking about a career in the leisure or hospitality sector is to take full advantage of activities on offer during The Scottish Tourism Careers Festival and get involved!
“Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to learn while you earn with the potential to open so many doors, which is exactly what has happened to me. I never thought I would be able to work my way up through the career ladder so quickly and can honestly say I’ve loved every minute of it, especially all the exciting opportunities, learnings, responsibilities and of course, the great people I’ve met along the way.”
For more information on the 5th Scottish Tourism Careers Festival 2016, click here