Academie Accor helps 18 young unemployed people complete hospitality training
Hotel group Accor has helped 18 unemployed people complete a training programme aimed at encouraging young people to find permanent jobs in the hospitality industry, following the launch of its Academie Accor facility.
With the support of the Accor Foundation, 18 unemployed completed the ‘Hospitality Futures' scheme and progressed to the next stage of the programme. It is run in conjunction with the Springboard Charity.
Hospitality Futures aims to help disadvantaged young people aged 18-24 discover the hospitality industry and is committed to providing their training and development.
The full programme involves a seven-week foundation course, including five weeks of classroom training, industry visits, workshops and mentoring at the Accor Academie and a two-week work placement in a hotel, either with Accor Hotels or another London hotel provider.
By finishing the programme, the participants will receive a ‘Hospitality Futures' certificate and a nationally recognised qualification in Food Safety and Health and Safety.
Philip Addison, Accor UK HR director, said: "Through this thrilling project, we are bringing hope for the future to young people who have broken ties with society. This is the very aim of the Accor Foundation: linking cultures and providing support for the development of individuals and their integration into their environment. It has been a real privilege to work with these young people and see them grow in confidence week by week. I wish them lots of success in using what they have learnt with us for their future careers."
Jack Pearcy, 21, who is participating in the Hospitality Futures programme said: "The most beneficial part of the programme has been all the industry visits to hotels, contract caterers and restaurants, actually seeing the type of job I could be doing and hearing from the managers themselves has been crucial for my understanding, I thought they would speak a different language but they are very friendly and helpful! In addition all of the training sessions and workshops have really improved my confidence such as team building and interview techniques. This experience will definitely help me get a job, all I need to do now is show dedication, remember instructions, keep motivated and I'll hopefully find my perfect job in food and beverage."
Anne Pierce, chief executive of the Springboard Charity added, "We are seeing a rise in youth employment in the UK and we are doing everything we can to tackle this. That is why structured programmes like this, that can lead to a permanent job in an industry which is creating jobs at the moment is crucial. I would like to thank Accor hotels for being so involved in this programme."
By Neil Gerrard
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