The launch of the East Lothian Hospitality and Tourism Academy comes in response to the Scottish Government ’ s agenda of kickstarting employment opportunities for young people and streamlining the transition between school , college , university and work . The Academy also aims to raise standards across the hospitality and tourism industries by providing young people with the appropriate skills and attitudes to meet employers ' needs .

The East Lothian Hospitality and Tourism Academy is an innovative partnership between QMU , Edinburgh College ( formerly Jewel & Esk College ) and East Lothian Council . Importantly , the initiative is supported by an impressive range of business partner institutions which understand the benefits of training and investing in Scotland ’ s young people .

Some of the world ’ s biggest hotel brands are on board as partners including Marriott Hotels , Novotel , Macdonald Hotels and Resorts , Jurys Inn , Mercure and Best Western Edinburgh Capital Hotel . Premier hotels / accommodation groups such as Prestonfield House , Archerfield , Caledonian Waldorf Astoria and Fraser Suites are also supporting the Academy by providing work placements for students .

Thirty eight schoolchildren from the three partner East Lothian

secondary schools were successful in gaining entry to the first year of the Academy . All of the pupils and their parents were present at the Parliamentary reception and one of the highlights of the evening was when two of the young people formally addressed the audience of 150 guests , explaining why they had joined the Academy and what they hoped to gain from the experience .

Since September 2012 , the 38 Academy students have been attending classes at both QMU and Edinburgh College . Various placement opportunities will be available to the students over the two-year programme . Some of the young people got their first taste of event management when Academy partner , Fraser Suites , involved them in the Institute of Hospitality conference . Five Academy students welcomed the guests , registered them for the conference , served hot drinks and canapés and cleared up after the event .

Ron McGilp , the Academy ’ s Coordinator , said : “ This was an excellent opportunity for the students to get first-hand experience of working at a high profile conference involving members of the hospitality and tourism industry ’ s professional body . It also allowed them to develop the skills they are learning at the Academy and apply them to a live event .”

Zsolt Jakri , Assistant General Manager at Fraser Suites Edinburgh , is a keen supporter of the Academy . He said : “ I was surprised , that at such an early stage in their development , the students were able to work to such a high standard . Seeing them in action has reinforced my commitment to supporting the Academy and its philosophy of promoting service excellence .”

Professor Alan Gilloran , QMU ’ s Vice Principal , said : “ The Academy has been specifically designed to support Scotland ’ s £ 11bn tourism industry and the development of our young people . The Academy model hits all the marks – in terms of preparing young people for real jobs ; providing a more seamless transition between school , college , university and work ; developing industry knowledge and improving skills development and employability . It also promotes service excellence which can only result in a positive contribution to the industry in Scotland . Clearly , the Academy is an example of a winning formula which could be successfully applied to many other areas . We look forward to being at the centre of future programme development which can impact positively on young people and the wider community .”

STOP PRESS :

£ 4.6 million funding expands Hospitality Academy model

The Scottish Funding Council has just awarded the Academy partnership £ 4.6 million to roll out the collaborative model to more secondary schools across East Lothian , Edinburgh , Midlothian and the Scottish Borders . The award will fund the development of new academies in healthcare , food science and the creative industries . Up to 1200 young people will enter into specialist academy training in their chosen field of employment whilst they are still at school .

The project could revolutionise how young people access education , training and employment . It is hoped it will raise pupils ’ aspirations , enhance employability and support Scotland ’ s economic development in key areas of growth . ❒