Between the 7 and 8 March 2012, Hospitality Sheffield, in partnership with Sheffield College, launched Spring Forward, an exciting initiative designed to attract school children to consider a career in the hospitality industry.Over 200 students aged 14 and 15 from 11 of Sheffield’s secondary schools took part, visiting a number of different hotels and venues in the city to learn about the key areas of the industry.
From food and beverage and housekeeping to leisure and kitchen services, the students enjoyed a behind the scenes insight into what makes a hotel tick by taking part in a few activities including bed-making competitions, laying tables and baking bread.
Jon Broadhurst, one of the organisers of Spring Forward and General Manager of Jurys Inn, said:
“We feel that this is a really important initiative where we can influence the hotel managers of the future into choosing hospitality as a serious career choice. The two-day hospitality orientation has enabled the students to get a good grasp of how a hotel or venue operates looking at housekeeping, catering, leisure services and event management.
“After the various activities the students were taken back to Sheffield College where they learnt about the courses and qualifications needed to get started on the hospitality ladder.”
John Janiszewski, Head of Business Development and Hospitality, Sheffield City College, said: “It’s important to give young people a taste of the careers and training opportunities, including apprenticeships, available now within the catering and hospitality sector – especially during the current economic climate. The college catering department has a strong reputation locally and nationally, and is a founding member of Hospitality Sheffield. We are delighted to be able to support this initiative.”
Ian Slater, Chair of Hospitality Sheffield and General Manager of the Park Inn, Sheffield, added:
“Hospitality Sheffield is fully behind Spring Forward which we hope will encourage students to sign up for hospitality courses at the College, with the benefit of producing a future generation that is well developed, highly trained and ready to take on the future roles within this exciting industry.
“This Hospitality initiative is key to the future of Sheffield’s tourism industry and by investing in the students of today we can ensure that this successful sector continues to grow and develop.”
Hotels and venues taking part in Spring Forward include the Leopold Hotel, Mercure Hotel & Spa, Park Inn, Hilton Hotel, Cutlers Hotel, Sheffield Hallam University, Premier Inn, Copthorne Hotel, Holiday Inn Express and the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria.
