16 QMYOU
New Academy takes hospitality and tourism to a new level
What do you want to be when you grow up ? This is so often the question asked of youngsters . They might answer with “ a doctor ” or “ a lawyer ” but there are not many teenagers whose first choice is to be a chef , hotel events manager , or a restaurant or hotel manager .
IN SOME AREAS OF SCOTLAND ’ S hospitality and tourism industry , standards are exceptional . However , sometimes we are reluctant to acknowledge the professionalism involved in providing top quality service . In many other countries working as a restaurant front of house team member or a hotel manager is viewed as an important profession where people take great pride in their roles and in the delivery of excellent service . Unfortunately , when it comes to exemplary service , well , we ’ re just not that good at it in Scotland . We often view jobs in hospitality and tourism as menial or stop-gap positions – something you do until you can find something better . Roles in these industries are rarely viewed as a first destination career choice for young , smart , aspiring teenagers .
But , that ’ s now changing . Queen Margaret University , Jewel & Esk College and East Lothian Council have joined forces to establish the East Lothian Hospitality and Tourism Academy which aims
16 QMYOU