Thinking about a career in the tourism industry? Colleges across the Liverpool City Region will be offering secondary school students the chance to find out.
‘Visitor Economy Week’ will involve over 60 activities – all designed to encourage young people to consider the sector as a career choice and provide a taste to what life can be like working in hospitality, retail, tourism and travel.
Events include ‘behind the scenes’ tours of Knowsley Safari Park, Mersey Tunnels, Hard Days Night Hotel and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, masterclasses in bread making, butchery and sugar craft, a spring fashion show, ‘bake off’ challenges, and hearing about careers in the aviation and cruise industries plus many more.
Now in its second year, it will take place from the 6 – 9 February and will showcase the variety of opportunities and diverse skills associated with our growing visitor economy sector. Those colleges involved are Riverside College, Hugh Baird College, St Helens College, Knowsley College, Southport College, Wirral Met and The City of Liverpool College.
Students are being encouraged to sign up to the website and register for the events at www.visitoreconomyweek.co.uk which has a full timetable of events and more information.
The week is sponsored by Liverpool ONE, who will also be holding their own unique VIP tour called ‘Under, On & Over’ – a guided tour of Liverpool’s commercial heritage which includes a tour of the Hilton Hotel, a tour of the old dock and overview of Liverpool One.
The Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) visitor economy team supports this week as part of its initiative to help skills development across the sector. They have been working with colleges and skills providers across the city region to help retain employees in the sector and improve links with employers.
Peter Sandman, Head of Visitor Economy at Liverpool City Region LEP, said: “With the visitor economy now worth over £4.1bn annually, the number and wide range of jobs in the sector has significantly increased due to such a high demand.
“This week provides a great opportunity for students to discover potential career options and help guide those students looking to explore vocational training.”
Estate Director at Liverpool ONE, Chris Bliss, added: “We are delighted to be supporting Liverpool’s Visitor Economy Week and meeting the next generation who will help share our regional tourism sector.
“This is a fantastic platform for young people to learn about the exciting career opportunities found right on their doorstep.”