Leeds hotels join industry mentoring scheme
The programme will offer practical industry experience and mentoring from hotel professionals such as general managers, finance directors, sales, marketing and human resource managers.
Mentors will undertake one-to-one sessions with the students to help recognise areas for development, and offer them practical advice and guidance in their careers.
The scheme first piloted last year, and this year 25 hospitality students have signed up to take part.
Hotels which will participate in the scheme include Radisson Blu, Doubletree by Hilton, Bewley’s Hotel, Park Plaza, Royal Armouries International, Thorpe Park Hotel, Oulton Hall, The Met, The Queen’s Hotel, Weetwood Hall, Park Plaza and Holiday Inn Express.
Potential employees
A number of students who took part in the pilot mentoring scheme last year managed to obtain full-time employment with their mentors. Others found employment elsewhere in the industry in areas such as contract catering, resort management, hotel management and restaurant management.
General manager of Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa and chairman of the LHVA Gordon Jackson said: “We are delighted to work with the School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality to mentor students in the hospitality industry.
“These students are potentially our future employees and investing in them now to maximise their potential, we can ensure that they are really well equipped for a career in our sector.”
Hospitality Leadership and Management course tutor at Leeds Beckett University Sofia Rebelo said that the scheme would offer a ‘great opportunity’ for both students and businesses which took part.
“For our students it is an opportunity to exchange viewpoints and ideas with experts who have a vast range of experiences and skills that can inspire them on their own professional and personal development,” she said.
“For the mentors and the local employers, it is an opportunity to be part of the education we provide in nurturing the future talent for this dynamic and growing industry, and also to be able to access other resources that we at the school may be able to offer.”
