|
|
 |
The
Prince's Trust And The Ritz Honour Young People For Passing
Hospitality Course |
Three
unemployed young people from Romford, Battersea and White City,
recently graduated from a unique hospitality work experience
opportunity thanks to youth charity The Prince's Trust and The Ritz London.
The world
famous hotel offers four week-long 'Get Into Hospitality' training
courses to disadvantaged 16-25 year olds from London, so they can
gain new skills enabling them to work in the industry in the future.
The courses are funded by The Strathmore Mineral Water Company - a
long-term supporter of the charity.
The
participants each chose an area in hospitality that they wanted to
specialise in and learnt new skills in room service, housekeeping and
concierge. After impressing their trainers and fellow colleagues with
their dedication and hard work, each passed the month long programme
with flying colours. They were presented with their certificates from
Trust Ambassador and Capital FM DJ Margherita Taylor at a special
graduation ceremony.
Iraina
Ejedewe, 19, from Battersea, didn't have any direction or goals but
since working in the room service department at The Ritz she can now
see a bright future for herself. Following the graduation Iraina has
been offered a full-time job at The Ritz and plans to enrol on a
college course in September too. Iraina comments: "Working at
the Ritz has been a great opportunity for me. I have really enjoyed
it and the programme has given me an insight into the realities of work."
Stephen
Boxall, General Manager of The Ritz, comments: "The Prince's
Trust's 'Get Into Hospitality' programme is a fantastic opportunity
for young people, helping them change their lives and gain a vital
insight into the industry. The skills they learn not only benefit
them but the hospitality sector in the future."
The 'Get Into'
courses were developed in response to The Trust's research which
showed young people want worthwhile jobs which offer them career
opportunities but feel held back in life by their lack of skills,
experience and qualifications. This programme therefore aims to help
young people from difficult backgrounds develop their practical
skills to move into employment.
The Trust runs
the programme in other industry sectors including coffee, maritime,
cooking, customer care and rural based industries. These are
delivered via a variety of corporate partners related to those
industries in order to provide relevant work experience.
Keith
McIlwain, Managing Director of The Strathmore Mineral Water Co.
comments: "The hospitality industry is our number one customer
and we are proud to be able to give something back to the industry
and The Trust by supporting a major initiative like 'Get Into Hospitality."
|
