Primary school students experience hospitality

09 February 2017

A group of primary school students became hotel inspectors and bakers for one morning last week as part of a new careers scheme designed to showcase the hospitality industry.

Careers Jersey, in partnership with Handpicked Hotels, coordinated a hospitality workshop last week for Mont Nicolle primary school to showcase the range of roles available within the industry.

The taster session was delivered to twenty-eight students from Year Four at The Grand Hotel and was the first event of its type following the publication of the Skills Strategy for Hospitality. The main objective of the workshop was to raise young people’s aspirations and increase their awareness of a range of educational and career opportunities in hospitality.

Jeremy Field, education liaison manager at Careers Jersey, helped coordinate the event. He said “These practical sessions are incredibly valuable for students who want to know more about one of the largest industries on the island. Handpicked Hotel’s enthusiasm for educating a generation on the benefits of a career in the industry is inspiring. We’re looking forward to working with them on more workshops in the future.”

Martin Kelly, general manager of The Grand Hotel, was delighted to host the pupils from Mont Nicolle Primary School and said “It was great to show them the diversity of the roles that are within one large hotel. We hope that the visit will allow the students to consider catering as a possible career choice when they are older. Hospitality is one of the few growth industries in the world and it’s important make young people aware of the many opportunities that it provides.”

Education Minister Deputy Rod Bryans said “This is another good example of how the Careers Jersey team work with schools and Jersey’s businesses. This kind of scheme gives our youngest pupils an early insight into the range of jobs they might be able to consider in future and it is very welcome.”

Following the success of the event, Careers Jersey and Handpicked Hotels intend to hold another session with secondary school students from Les Quennevais at the L’Horizon Hotel on 27 February 2017.