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Your chance to apply for a free hospitality scholarship

02 Sep 2011

An innovative and free annual scholarship programme has been launched in Glasgow with the aim of improving standards and raising ambition in Scotland’s hospitality industry. The Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland’s Emerging Talent Scholarship project is calling for applications from people who work in tourism, leisure, travel and hospitality organisations in Scotland.

You could be a behind-the-scenes staff member or a front-of-house employee, and work in kitchens, hotels, visitor attractions, cafes and any other related businesses of any size. This programme is open for everyone, whatever age, to apply so long as you live in Scotland.

The scholarships programme works by providing individuals with money-can’t-buy-experience or an international learning opportunity.

By focusing on developing promising people, HIT Scotland aims to increase the number of professionals who raise the standards of others around them. In turn, the charity believes that this will sustain improvements in standards and help Scotland compete with international destinations with a stronger customer service ethos.

Scholarships, which take place locally, nationally and internationally, include working with Michelin-starred chefs and award-winning sommeliers, courses in leading hotel schools in Lausanne, Switzerland and the Disney Institute, Florida, revenue training and going behind-the-scenes of a 6 star resort in Dubai.

For the first time, HIT Scotland is to offer an entrepreneurial and revenue scholarship to encourage fresh thinking and better commercial understanding.

HIT Scotland also provides bespoke Frank Mullen scholarships allowing people to create their own experience. For senior managers, the charity will award two places to Cornell University’s school of hotel administration.  

Over the past eight years, more than 800 scholarships have been awarded. So far the scheme is estimated to have returned £5million to the industry through new skills, promoting best practice, improving staff retention and encouraging professional development.

Beverly Payne, head of HIT Scotland’s scholarship committee, said: “The scholarships are seen as high value opportunities and it is vital that we keep providing great experiences so people can learn from the best and bring back ideas and innovations to help move Scottish hospitality forward.”

Applications close on November 30. For more information visit www.hitscotland.co.uk