With experts forecasting more growth in Manchester’s tourism industry, Marriott and Renaissance Hotels in Manchester have combined with Antz to launch the Marriott Academy, a new programme to enhance confidence and develop hospitality skills in the young and unemployed from across the region.
With an additional 2,986 hotel rooms in the pipeline, adding to the 21,181 already in operation, experts have estimated that the region will need an additional 20,400 people across Greater Manchester to manage the industry’s expected growth between 2014 and 2020*1.
The training delivered through the new Marriott Academy has been designed to give the locally unemployed, or those who have not previously been given access to training, the chance to not only learn about, but work in, Manchester’s thriving hospitality sector, ultimately opening new employment opportunities for them.
The academy is now delivering a three-week intensive employability and customer service training course to current intake of 20 successful applicants, which will be followed by a three-week work experience placement and a guaranteed interview with Marriott.
Peter Nicholson, Cluster Director of Human Resources at Marriott and Renaissance Hotels in Manchester, said; “Working with Antz Junction, we really wanted to help support those with the right worth ethic and give them the opportunity to learn, and get experience, so that they can develop a career in the hospitality industry.”
Jen Pemberton, Founder & CEO of Antz Network and Antz Junction, the network of businesses and organisations dedicated to delivering social and business impact in local communities, added; “This is a wonderful way for those who have not previously been given the opportunity, to learn, engage and get the experience of working with one of the biggest and best hospitality brands in the world.”
“Whether they get a job with Marriott directly following the six-week course, with another company, or just leave with improved confidence and ultimately be more employable, we would consider the project a huge success.”
The Marriott Academy training is split between Worsley Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Renaissance Hotel Manchester and the Manchester Airport Marriott Hotel, with skills and employability training at Antz Junction Social Enterprise in Swinton.
Nicola Staley, Director of Sales & Marketing for Marriott and Renaissance hotels in Manchester, added, “The academy is not only a great way to invest back into our local communities, but is also a chance for us to really engage with individuals locally on a one-to-one basis and help pass on our core value of ‘Spirit to Serve’. Although Marriott and Renaissance Hotels have a huge international brand behind them, we are also hugely proud of our work to support and invest in our local communities which is typified by this project alongside Antz Junction.”
Successful graduates from the Academy are expected to complete the course on Wednesday 4th May where a select few will not only receive accreditation from the course, but also a job offer from Marriott.
