Manchester Hoteliers’ Association (MHA) has launched a new initiative in collaboration with Manchester College to provide work experience opportunities for young people.
Each student will undertake 45 days of work experience in different areas of the hotel equipping candidates with vital skills but also providing a direct insight into the hospitality sector.
Hotels would then be able to offer successful students part-time or full-time positions following their graduation from college.
The scheme has been set up to provide opportunities for young people and encourage more students to choose a career in hospitality. It also aims to tackle the current recruitment issue facing the hospitality industry nationwide.
Chair of MHA Adrian Ellis said: “This is a great initiative to be involved in especially in such a crucial time as we rebuild the hospitality sector following the pandemic. As professionals, we are looking to encourage and inspire young people to consider a career in the leisure and hospitality industry and believe this scheme will help facilitate this.
“We have some of the city’s largest hotel groups involved in the scheme with a number of opportunities available and we are looking forward to seeing our first placement students embedding into our teams over the coming months.”
All Manchester College campuses are involved in the initiative.
This is the first year Manchester Hoteliers’ Association has been involved in the scheme.
The MHA has a 50-strong membership made up of general managers of hotels throughout the region. Its key objectives are being a strong voice for the hotel community, and continually improving the offering for visitors spending time in the city.
They have spearheaded several campaigns since launch working with charities including the NHS frontline staff and vulnerable members of the community.