An innovative programme designed to provide 1,000 primary school pupils across the Clyde Gateway area with an insight into the hospitality and tourism sectors got under way this week.
‘Hospitality Explorers’, a partnership between Clyde Gateway – an urban regeneration company designed to drive inner investment across the east of Glasgow and South Lanarkshire – and Marriott Hotels will deliver a unique hospitality initiative.
150 primary five pupils from Blackfriars Primary, Dalmarnock Primary and Wellshot Primary took centre stage as they attended the event at their associated secondary school, Eastbank Academy. In total, 24 primary schools and all four associated secondary schools across the Clyde Gateway area will take part in this pioneering programme.
The Glasgow Marriott Hotel will help schoolchildren with group working challenges, poster creation and fact finding to give them a unique insight into the role both sectors play in the Scottish economy, as well as learning about some of the potential job opportunities available, should they wish to pursue a career in either field.
Clyde Gateway and the Glasgow Marriot Hotel also run the very successful hospitality programme aimed at school leavers: ‘The Hotel & Hospitality Academy’ which has secured full time employment for over 26 jobs residents of Clyde Gateway in recent years.
Natalie Phillips, Project Manager, Education, Business & Community Growth, Clyde Gateway, said: “A key part of our work is to form close relations with the local community, schools and employers to help provide new skills and create future employment opportunities. While this latest initiative may seem like a bit of fun for the pupils taking part, it’s important to start the thought process early of the different types of jobs out there.
“This latest initiative is just one of a number of programmes undertaken with local primary schools within the Clyde Gateway catchment area. On this occasion, we are once again pleased to work alongside the Glasgow Marriott Hotel which has done so much to make the Hospitality Explorers programme possible.”
Patricia Rainey, Cluster Director of Human Resources at Marriott Hotels, said: “Over the last few years, we have developed a close working relationship with Clyde Gateway and we are once again looking forward to delivering a worthwhile project which will do so much for local schoolchildren.
“The hospitality and tourism sectors are key drivers for Scottish economic growth and we hope that some of those in attendance are inspired to consider a career in hospitality and tourism.”
Gordon Shaw, Headteacher of Eastbank Academy added:
“Hospitality Explorers is a fantastic initiative. The primary school pupils are really excited to find out more about what it’s like to work in these important sectors. Being able to offer this valuable insight to the world of work to 1,000 pupils is a great achievement.”