A landmark week for hospitality talent in York and North Yorkshire has showcased the power of investing in the sector’s next generation, with two major initiatives helping young people build skills, confidence and career pathways.
Both initiaves have been developed and delivered by the Hospitality Junior Board (HJB) and supported by the York & North Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) and the UK Government Community Trailblazer scheme. The back-to-back events brought together students, young professionals and young leaders from across the region.
The week began with Hospitality: The Leaders of Tomorrow, where more than 130 young professionals and college students gathered at Rudding Park, Harrogate, for a regional development event focused on empowering under-30s already working in the sector and those considering it as a career.
Just a day later, the week culminated in the celebration of Rise & Serve, an innovative and unique eight-week hospitality pilot designed to support young people – including those facing hidden barriers to employment – into the industry or back into education.
Together, the initiatives highlight a growing effort to champion young talent and tackle hospitality’s ongoing recruitment challenges and the perception of the sector
More than 130 young professionals and college students gathered at Rudding Park in Harrogate for Hospitality: The Leaders of Tomorrow.
The event placed under-30s at the centre of hospitality’s future, offering a day of workshops, networking and leadership development. It was developed and run by young members of the Hospitality Junior Board for people under 30.
Sessions explored 2 key themes – resilience and kindness, both essential for building a sustainable career in hospitality. The day and workshops gave space to explore, discuss, and learn from each other.
The event was headlined by Shanice Childerley, Founder of Haus of SC, whose keynote speech drew on a career spanning The Walt Disney Company, international cruise lines and royal households to position hospitality as a prestigious, globally mobile career built on reputation, adaptability and exceptional service.
Rise & Serve, developed and delivered by the Hospitality Junior Board, in partnership with The Cookery School at The Grand, York, brought together 16 young people for a hands-on programme combining practical training, coaching and real-world experience. Rise & Serve is funded by a UK Gov Community Trailblazer grant managed by Better Connect.
The programme culminated in a live pop-up event hosted at the city-centre hotel, planned and delivered by participants. They welcomed 40 guests from across the region – General Managers, business owners, educators, local and regional government, partners and alumni of the Hospitality Junior Board.
Over eight weeks, participants developed skills in food safety, customer service, menu development, marketing and teamwork, supported by hospitality professionals from the Hospitality Junior Board and The Grand.
The programme was designed to create a safe space that encourages learning through conversation and removes common barriers to employment while maintaining clear expectations and professional standards.
Participants took roles across kitchen, front-of-house and marketing, while support included:
- Flexibility around sensory needs, anxiety and confidence
- Weekly coaching and peer support
- Travel expense support
Although only a few participants had limited prior hospitality experience. The pilot proved highly impactful:
- 100% completed the full eight-week programme
- 100% reported increased confidence in pursuing hospitality careers
- Investing in the future of hospitality
Hospitality employs more than 35,000 people across York & North Yorkshire, yet with high staff turnover rates and poor perception, many young professionals leave the sector before building long-term careers.
By combining early-stage access programmes like Rise & Serve with leadership development events such as The Leaders of Tomorrow, the Hospitality Junior Board hope to strengthen the pipeline of talent entering – and staying in – the industry.
Reflecting on the week, Philip Bolson, Founder of the Hospitality Junior Board, said: “Seeing these two events happen within the same week really showed what’s possible when the industry comes together to support young people.
“From those taking their first steps through Rise & Serve to the young professionals building careers at The Leaders of Tomorrow, the energy and ambition on display has been incredible.
“Our focus now is turning that momentum into long-term opportunities and clear progression pathways for the next generation.”
A sincere thanks to the sponsors and partners – Punch Hospitality, Rudding Park, YO1 Radio, Cedar Court Hotels, McMillan & Associates HR, Splendid Hospitality Group, Rota Cloud, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, York St John’s University, York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, North Yorkshire Council, and Piglets Adventure Farm – for their invaluable support in making these event possible.
Tony Watson, Head of Economy and Tourism for North Yorkshire Council, said: “I am delighted to support these fantastic events developed and put on by the Hospitality Junior Board. Young people underpin our tourism and wider hospitality sector. So it is important that we all play our part in supporting it.”
