Young people taking part in the Experience Works programme have celebrated their completion of Get Into Hospitality training with Torquay hotel group TLH and have been offered jobs in their hotels. You can see the short video about their journey here.
The project runs in collaboration with The Prince's Trust, which has provided one-to-one mentoring and support for the young people throughout. The participants face a range of barriers to work including disability, lack of qualifications and poverty.
The programme enables 15 - 25 year-olds who are not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) to complete training in all areas of hotel work. Participants tried their hand in housekeeping, the kitchens, bars and front of house.
Mary-Ann Fudge, Training Manager at TLH hotels said "Many young people who have struggled to find work because of challenges they face prove to be incredibly talented when given the opportunity. Too often they are turned away at the first hurdle because they look or sound or behave a little differently, or do not have a string of certificates. At TLH we find that by supporting the whole person with all of the challenges they bring enables them to succeed and become loyal and respected members of the TLH team".
Rebecca Trethewy of The Prince's Trust said "it is wonderful to see these young people, who have overcome significant challenges in their lives, successfully complete their training and get into work. TLH are an enlightened employer who see the value of investing in these young people, who will become valued colleagues. We are particularly pleased to have run the programme in Torbay where there is significant deprivation to be addressed".
Experience Works supports young people aged 15-24 who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) or at risk of becoming NEET, across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. This project equips them with skills for life and work, giving them the confidence to find a path to a brighter future. Managed by Petroc, Experience Works is delivered by a partnership of organisations with a wide range of expertise and experience in working with young people across the South West. This project is funded by the European Social Fund.
For more information on Experience Works, contact Victoria Grimberg on victoria.grimberg@devoncommunities.org.uk
