On Tuesday, 10th October, the Dark Island Hotel hosted the first Skills Challenge day. The aim of the event is to address recruitment and retention of staff within the hospitality industry. The Challenge targeted S5 pupils from Sgoil Lionacleit to take part in eight different hospitality tasks, set by the industry, in a similar style to the generation game.
The challenges demonstrated the variety of skills that are required for a career in the Hospitality Leisure Travel and Tourism industry, giving the participants the opportunity to try various tasks first hand and a real taste of what is a dynamic and highly skilled industry to work in.
Tasks included a reception challenge, set by Cala Hotels, relating to communication skills and a restaurant service challenge provided by Stepping Stone. The Housekeeping challenge was arranged by the Dark Island Hotel; other challenges included a kitchen challenge, wine service challenge and a management challenge which allowed pupils to create a work rota for a busy hotel week.
Over 30 pupils participated in the event and feedback was extremely positive from the both pupils and companies involved. Anne Quarm, Manager of the Stepping Stone Restaurant in Benbecula said “The Skills Challenge day was extremely worthwhile and a great opportunity for the pupils to get a taste of what is involved in working in the hospitality industry.”
“This event will go some way to addressing the perception younger people have of the industry and will persuade some that hospitality really is a career option. The pupils have been fun to work with and having spoken to a number of pupils that took part they have been very enthusiastic about the Skills Challenge.”
The event was organised by Springboard with assistance from Western Isles Enterprise and support from VisitScotland and the industry. Lisa MacLean of Springboard said “The event was very successful and I believe it has not only provided participants with the opportunity to see the industry first hand, but it has also allowed the businesses to showcase their industry and hopefully allow it to be recognised as one of choice.”
Lorna Macaulay, Head of Skills Development and Customer Service at Western Isles Enterprise (WIE) said 'WIE are delighted to be able to assist Springboard Scotland with their inaugural Hospitality Skills Challenge Day in Uist. It is important that we positively introduce young people to the many and various occupations which make up the hospitality and tourism sector. Tourism is a key sector for the Outer Hebrides economy and employs a very significant number of people".
For further press information, please contact:
Lisa Maclean, Project Manager,
Springboard Outer Hebrides –
Mobile: 07810 804718
email: lisam@springboarduk.org.uk
