Norwood Hall Hotel, part of the Macdonald hotel chain, is the first hotel in the north-east to get involved with the UK-wide charity, Careers Academy, which helps school leavers access a hands-on route into the job market.
The initiative, which was pioneered in the US and is now in its second year in Aberdeen, aims to show the alternative employment and training options that are open to young people, if they are unsure about continuing into further education or decide university or college is not for them.
Run in co-operation with Aberdeen City Council, the process takes place over two years and matches sixth formers with suitable mentors.
Elizabeth Hough, head of human resources at the hotel, is spearheading the company’s involvement.
“I heard about careers academy through a networking event I attended in Aberdeen and instantly related to it,” Elizabeth said.
“I’d always wanted a career in hospitality but my school had no links with the sector and further education was the only avenue that seemed available. This programme gives people the necessary links and experience to move into the working environment straight from leaving school – it really struck a chord with me.”
Elizabeth firmly believes that the practical option shouldn’t be undervalued and that direct entry into the workplace doesn’t rule out returning to education in later life.
She added: “I think it’s important that students are aware that leaving school to go into work is not a failure but an achievement, and also that avenues of further education can still be explored later in life, if they feel that is right for them . I did not go back to education until I was 25 when I realised I wanted to become a HR & training manager.”
Isobel Maughan, director of the charity, said: “We didn’t specifically target the hospitality sector but were approached by Elisabeth independently. Aberdeen has a tremendous reputation for engineering and we have a predominance of oil and gas companies involved, but we do recognise that there is much more to our economy than technology and maths.
“Having Norwood on board is a really good to way to begin to address these other sectors.”
Elizabeth has been paired with Liga Valentinas from Torry Academy school, who she will meet on a one-to-one basis in the workplace for a series of 40 structured sessions over the next two academic years. She will be advising on all aspects of the business including sales, accounts and HR.
She concluded: “Hospitality is always looked upon as a pathway for jobs as a waiter or bar maid or room attendant. However, it has many areas of expertise requiring large amounts of business acumen and I will be focusing on all of them. On-the-job training is a great way to progress in this industry and I look forward to seeing my student progress through the course of the programme.”