Tourism bosses in the North Highlands of Scotland have teamed up with a Scottish college to help boost hospitality career opportunities in the region.
The new ‘First Steps into Highland Hospitality’ course is being delivered by UHI North Highland in collaboration with hotels and other hospitality venues across Caithness and Sutherland from October. The course is also being supported by Venture North, the destination management organisation that promotes responsible tourism in the far north Scottish Highlands.
As part of the new course, hospitality students of all ages and backgrounds will get the opportunity to link up with a local hospitality employer, gaining insight into the different departments and career opportunities the sector has to offer, including Skibo Castle, Mackay’s Hotel, The Seaview, Links House, Kincraig Castle Hotel, The Ulbster Arms, Glenmorangie House and the Highland Coast Hotels collection: Royal Marine Hotel Brora, Royal Golf Hotel Dornoch, Kylesku Hotel, Tongue Hotel and the Plockton Inn.
The new course has been designed and developed with hospitality industry partners who worked alongside curriculum staff at UHI North Highland to identify the current needs of the industry.
Students will get a mix of learning and hands-on experience, resulting in an SVQ 2 qualification in Hospitality Services, plus a portfolio of skills endorsed by employers in just 18 weeks. They will also be guaranteed an interview with a hospitality employer when successfully completing the course.
Andrew Mackay, Board Director and ‘Ambassador for Careers in Tourism’ for Venture North is helping to develop and deliver the new course with other industry partners. Andrew is also the owner of The Caithness Collection of hotels. Commenting on the launch of new ‘First Steps into Highland Hospitality’ course, Andrew said, “We’re delighted to be working with our industry partners and supporting UHI North Highland 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.
“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.”
(Picture: Andrew Mackay, Board Director and ‘Ambassador for Careers in Tourism’)