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Great feedback from ‘influencer’ evening

21 May 2012

“This has changed my perception of hospitality careers,” said one delegate.

“It’s great to make contacts with lots of really helpful hospitality and tourism businesses,” said another.

“I didn’t know there were so many jobs within the hospitality sector – and this is definitely something I’ll be passing on to my students,” another enthused.

These were just some of the comments and feedback given by more than 60 “influencers” at last week’s Glasgow Service with Style: An Audience with the Hospitality Industry evening. 

The aim of the event was to “influence the influencers”. By "influencers" we mean the people who can advise and guide people about a career in tourism and hospitality in Glasgow. Through key speakers and a range of information “stalls” provided by tourism and hospitality establishments, the influencers were offered a wealth of information about work experience, job placements, employment options, pay scales, career opportunities, and more.

Influencers came from schools and colleges, as well as employment and career advisory organisations and agencies across Glasgow, including Jobcentre Plus, Skills Development Scotland, Glasgow City Council and more.

The key speakers

The key message for the audience was given by Gordon McIntyre, Head of Hospitality at City of Glasgow College, and Vice-Chair of GSWS, who revealed that while many other industries are suffering in a difficult economic climate, the tourism and hospitality industry is still growing and continues to offer a huge range of job opportunities.

Gordon added: “There is very little unemployment in our industry and the days of long hours for poor pay are all but eliminated. Our industry is one that thrives and offers countless jobs suitable for all kinds of people and all ages. We really want people to think differently and to see tourism and hospitality as a great career choice.”

Lawrence Durden, Tourism Manager at Skills Development Scotland, underlined Gordon’s encouraging forecast of the sector. Lawrence revealed just how important tourism and hospitality is to Scotland and the many opportunities available for employment.

He said: “This is a growing sector and one that is very important to the economy of Scotland. The industry needs people in a host of different positions.

“We are looking for passionate people, not necessarily skilled people. This is an industry that is willing to train the right people to learn about their jobs in the workplace.”

Lorna Jackson, of Radisson Blu, was also able to tell the “influencers” from first-hand experience about her career progress and her “highly rewarding work”.

The HR Manager said: “I wouldn’t change my job in hospitality for anything. I have enjoyed a diverse career in this industry, working all over the world and now working in HR. I have enjoyed it all.

 “I think this sector has so many different opportunities and offers people so many rewards, be it in Glasgow or worldwide. I would encourage anyone who is interested to see what hospitality has to offer."

Meeting "the workers"

The second half of the evening saw delegates taking part in mini workshop activities, hosted by people already working in the sector. On hand to give advice about job opportunities, careers, skills, training, different roles etc. were Executive Chef at Rangers, Jav Aziz, and Executive Pastry Chef Davie Hoffmann; a team from Radisson Blu hotel and also the Glasgow Science Centre, the MD of The LA Bar Academy; as well as Skills Development Scotland and students from City of Glasgow College.

Glasgow Science Centre stall

At the Science Centre stall, delegates heard from HR Assistant Ashley Nisbet and Customer Services Manager Gerry McCann about the wide range of job opportunities at the five-star visitor attraction, including front of house, retail, finance, science, communications and catering.

Following the 15-minute information workshop, delegate Mags Curns, who is an employability support officer with Glasgow City Council, said: “It was enlightening to hear about all the different positions within just one tourism attraction and to find out about possible work placements for youngsters. This evening has been very good because it has revealed so much more about the jobs on offer in the industry.”

LA Bar Academy stall

This was a popular stall with delegates! Managing Director Scott Gemmell gave away a few secrets in the art of cocktail making. But he also introduced the concept of professional training for bartenders. He said: “Bartending is a vital part of many hospitality establishments and it is becoming recognised as a prized position in itself. A great bartender can be the difference between an atmospheric and well-managed bar, or a bar with no atmosphere and few customers.”

The LA Bar Academy offers training, much of it subsidised by ILA Scotland, for people who would like to become bartenders or for bartenders already employed.

After a wee taste of the cocktail, Maria Roushias, who works in training services management at Reid Kerr College, said: “I have to say I didn’t know there was a bartender training school and I don’t think I’d thought about the assets of a well-trained bartender. This is the sort of thing that would be helpful for people to know if they were considering a career in hospitality.”

Radisson Blu stall

At the Radisson Blu stall, delegates were delighted to gain an insight into the world of wine tasting and the type of foods that complement certain wines. Events operations manager Gordon Gale and restaurant service manager Gemma McGee also gave delegates an insight into the type of people that would be suited to hotel work.

“Great interpersonal skills are very important in our line of work,” said Gemma. “Self-confidence and the ability to meet challenges, too. But simply being enthusiastic will help you to get a job and the rest you can learn when you are working. The Radisson takes training very seriously.

“I have gained a great deal of confidence and pride in myself and what I do by working in the hospitality industry.”

Afterwards, delegate Helen McBride, of Smithycroft Secondary School, said: “It’s good to hear about what hotels like the Radisson have to offer to our pupils. I now know about job opportunities, training and what placements are available. This event has been so good for networking and learning about access for our youngsters to gaining work.”

More feedback on the evening

Other delegates gave their feedback after visiting many of the stalls. Sally Shearer, PT guidance with East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “I have been surprised to find out how many opportunities there are for careers in the sector, and just how diverse the opportunities are. It’s also been great to network and to find out about the places that offer work experience and work placements for youngsters. Making contacts in the industry is vital for us and for pupils who want to gain work experience.”

Michelle Kershaw, Area Co-ordinator for Schools at Glasgow City Council, said: “This evening has been very valuable. Having the knowledge to go away and to influence those looking towards career ideas is very important.”

This event was offered by Glasgow Service with Style in partnership with Skills Development Scotland and Springboard, with support from the Glasgow Marriott Hotel.