A new scheme has been launched to try to attract fresh blood into the hospitality industry across the north-east.
In recent months concerns have been raised across the sector about the difficulties securing and retaining talent.
So in a bid to try to plug the skills gap economic development body Opportunity North East (One) has joined with Skills Development Scotland and local hoteliers to provide a minimum of 12 new apprenticeships in the area.
The scheme is aimed at 16 to 25-year-olds and jobs will be based across 12 prominent north-east hotels including The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen, Meldrum House in Oldmeldrum and the Fife Arms in Braemar.
The 18-month training programme aims to give successful applicants experience in four areas of hotel operation.
These include housekeeping, reception work, food and drink service and kitchen.
Participating hotels have all committed to paying the apprentices the national minimum wage – higher than required for apprentices. They will achieve an SVQ Level 5 on completion.
One of the drivers of the new scheme Stephen Gow, general manager of The Chester Hotel said: “The participating hotels are united in their vision to invest in young people in our sector and to nurture and inspire the next generation of talent.
“It’s important to show young adults that there is no requirement for a degree to enter the vibrant hospitality industry and this apprenticeship offers a clear, paid, route to gaining experience within the sector; giving practical experience across all hotel departments while gaining a recognised qualification and developing leadership skills.
Jennifer Craw, One chief executive, added: “Last year, we led a series of consultation events on future renaissance projects across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
“The need to nurture and attract future leaders in tourism and showcase our regional strengths in food, drink and heritage came out strongly.
“I’m delighted that just 12 months later, we are launching this new apprenticeship scheme.”
