Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa is set to mark the 10th anniversary of its successful Hospitality Academy initiative with a special celebration, and the hotel has extended an invitation to past students to join in the festivities, which are slated to take place this week (Thursday, 17 August).
The Hospitality Academy is a joint venture with Positive Qualities, and has received support from both Skills Development Scotland and Falkirk Council. The initiative is designed to offer young individuals an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the hospitality industry, potentially serving as a pathway into a long-term career.
Over the course of its ten-year history at Inchyra, the Hospitality Academy initiative has seen over 300 students graduating from the program. Among these, 150 have successfully secured jobs in the field. Notable alumni include Chef Peter Meechan, who was named UK Young Chef of the Year in 2022, Jack Marsters, now the Bar, Conference and Banqueting Manager, and Scott Kirkwood, the current Leisure & Spa Assistant Manager, all of whom are employed at Inchyra.
Students enrolled in the scheme are provided with a range of placements and work experience opportunities throughout the hotel from front of house operations, food and beverage services, housekeeping, maintenance, and leisure and spa departments. These placements are designed to enable students to develop a comprehensive skill set, and they are mentored by experienced members of the hotel staff throughout their time in the program.
The 10th-anniversary celebration event, set to be held at Inchyra, will include a drinks reception for returning students, during which special guests will be welcomed to help recognize both the achievements of the venture and those of the students who have passed through its doors.
Following the success of the Hospitality Academy initiative at Inchyra, there are now plans to extend the program to other locations within the Macdonald Hotels and Resorts group. These include Houstoun House near Edinburgh, Crutherland House Hotel in East Kilbride, and Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
Brett Ingle (pictured), General Manager at Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa, said, “We are proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Hospitality Academy, which has allowed young people in Falkirk to forge careers in our industry that they may not have otherwise had the chance to.
“It will be wonderful to see the students who have graduated from the Hospitality Academy return to celebrate this milestone with us, alongside our invited guests, who will help us acknowledge the fantastic steps these young people have taken since being part of our programme. Their success, and that of the initiative, means we are now seeking to expand and introduce it to new locations.
“I am grateful to Positive Qualities for taking part in this joint venture with us, and the support from Skills Development Scotland and Falkirk Council. Here’s to the next 10 years of Hospitality Academy.”