Innovative approach to skills in visitor economy

Posted 30th January 2019
 
 
5 minutes read
 
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Next week students and residents across the Liverpool City Region (LCR) will be able to sample for themselves what life would be like working in the tourism industry.

Now in its fourth year, ‘Visitor Economy Week’ runs from 4-7 February, offering pupils taster sessions covering hospitality, retail, tourism and travel. During the week there are over 50 events being run by the further education colleges in the LCR.

For the first time this year at the launch will be a VE Skills Show – on the 4th February at Anfield. This show is already sold out and will give attendees a chance to meet local employers, apprenticeship providers, plus college and secondary heads. There will be demonstrations, exhibitors, hand-on activities and one-to-one talks. It is a great opportunity for students to meet the people at the heart of helping them onto their career path.

During the launch City & Guilds will also announce the latest innovation in skills development – a Global Certification for the hospitality industry, with the Liverpool City Region being the pilot for this new benchmark. It is designed to help hospitality businesses recognise the skills and experience of their staff and help employees gain recognition and clear employment opportunities.

The Liverpool Hoteliers Association (LHA), one of the sponsors of Visitor Economy Week, are also supporting the City & Guilds initiative. LHA are a membership group of Liverpool City Region hoteliers and restaurateurs – they work collectively to deliver a first-class hospitality experience for all visitors including developing skills and working closely with colleges and universities. Other sponsors are the LCR Apprenticeship Hub, The Know Group and Liverpool Football Club.

The events over the week are at venues including Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Albert Dock and the Radio City Tower alongside several hotels and restaurants.

Some highlights are detailed below. For a full list of activities please visit: www.visitoreconomyweek.com

City of Liverpool College:

Masterclass with founders of Cuban street food concept FINCA – previous alumni of The City of Liverpool College and stars of BBC2’s My Million Pound Menu.

5 February

Hugh Baird College:

A day in the life at Liverpool John Lennon Airport – What’s it like to work in a busy international airport? This event will identify some of the key roles at an airport with the opportunity to shadow some of its workers.

5 February

Riverside College:

Neves Fish masterclass – preparing a range of fish and shellfish.

5 February

Wirral Met College:

Paul Askew masterclass – Paul and colleagues from the Art School restaurant demonstrating Art School dishes to catering students.

6 February

Southport College:

Graphic design competition – Southport College are asking graphic design students from Birkdale High School to come up with a print / digital advert that would encourage teenage families to holiday in Southport. 

7 February

SK College Group (St Helens College and Knowsley College)

Skills Show – employers are showcasing their businesses to students. Companies such as Bourne Leisure, Greene King, Dermalogica, L’Oreal and Aintree Racecourse are taking part.

5 February