GCSE results are set to be announced on 22 August, with thousands of students soon facing critical decisions about their future careers. For many, the hospitality industry presents an exciting and rewarding path by offering diverse education opportunities for career growth and development.
Yet it’s not just school leavers that can benefit from the multitude of education initiatives this industry has on offer. Industry leaders understand that education is a lifelong pursuit and a great way to help ambitious individuals move up the career ladder.
So, whether you are new to the world of work and hospitality, or whether you are seeking to reach new heights in your career, below is a round-up of some of the best education initiatives currently on offer.
Ascot Racecourse: Nurturing Young Talent
Ascot Racecourse has long been a champion of nurturing young talent within the hospitality industry. During events like the Royal Ascot, the racecourse employs thousands of casual student workers to give them real world experience in the industry. Last year saw 3,600 casual workers descend upon the racecourse, a third of which were students aged between 16 and 21 and recruited directly from colleges and universities.
Ascot also works with more than a dozen institutions such as Reading University and Edge Hotel School to source junior chefs, catering teams and waiting staff. Last year, around 50 student chefs attended Royal Ascot with their lecturers acting as mentors to develop their culinary skills in a real environment – just one example of the importance of such partnerships.
Additionally, the racecourse provides students with invaluable training from the Ascot Academy, once they are employed, which teaches Ascot’s core values, standards and ways of working. These opportunities not only prepare students for success in the events industry but also equip them with transferable skills applicable to any career path.
RBH Hospitality Management’s Pyramid Programme
For those looking to fast-track their careers within the hospitality industry, RBH Hospitality Management’s Pyramid Programme offers an exciting opportunity. Designed for ambitious department heads within RBH’s portfolio of over 50 hotels, this programme provides training and development to help participants transition into senior roles.
Each year, candidates are selected through a rigorous internal assessment process and engage in masterclasses covering topics from leadership to operational performance.
Now in its sixth year, the Pyramid Programme has seen numerous success stories, with many participants advancing to general manager and deputy manager positions. By adapting its curriculum to address current industry challenges, RBH ensures that its participants are well-equipped to navigate the evolving hospitality landscape.
Master Innholders Mentoring Programme
The Master Innholders Mentoring Programme is an exemplary initiative that supports hotel professionals who are members at any level of the Institute. Through a partnership with the Institute of Hospitality, Master Innholders enables such professionals to access the Institute’s renowned mentoring programme, Mentor Me.
Having facilitated over 350 mentoring pairs since its launch in 2014, and being recognised as a global leader in career development within the hospitality profession, the programme matches global student members, apprentice members and Associates (AIH) with experienced Members (MIH) and Fellows (FIH) for guided learning on topical industry issues and participation in monthly meetings.
It aims to support mentees in developing skills such as networking, leadership, public speaking, teamwork, business skills and reverse mentoring.
Master Innholders Innholder Scholarships
General managers and heads of departments in the UK hospitality industry also have an opportunity to receive career-changing leadership and education through this year’s Master Innholders Innholder Scholarships.
Each year, the scholarships see up to 12 successful applicants awarded a completely free scholarship worth over £10,000 for one of two exceptional courses, both designed to help hotel professionals develop their management and leadership capabilities and broaden their expertise within the industry.
The two courses available this year include the Talent Development Programme at Cranfield University, Buckinghamshire, UK, and the General Managers Programme at Cornell University in New York, USA.
Each course will see successful applicants undertake live virtual courses taught by well-renowned hospitality lecturers over several months, as well as several day visits to the campuses throughout the year to help reinforce learning and network with peers in person.
Applications close 30 August 2024. Application forms can be downloaded here.
Master Innholders’ Aspiring Leaders Diploma
Another one of the hospitality industry’s leading educational initiatives is the Master Innholders Aspiring Leaders Diploma (MIALD). Each year, the programme selects 18 talented individuals to partake in a 12-month development course that encompasses eight key modules. These modules focus on areas such as professional development, people management and leadership.
Now in its 12th year, the MIALD programme has established itself as a prestigious qualification within the industry, offering junior-level supervisors and managers the chance to enhance their skill set and advance their hotel careers. It even holds the esteemed Princess Royal Training Award, which recognises the programme’s outstanding contributions to hospitality training and development.
Event Supplier and Services Association Mentoring Scheme
Another vital initiative in the hospitality industry, particularly when it comes to events, is the Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) Mentoring Scheme. This programme creates opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional development within the Event Supplier and Services Association community. By establishing one-on-one mentoring relationships, ESSA plays a crucial role in encouraging growth for all of those within the events industry while enhancing the skills of individuals passionate about pursuing careers in this field.
