Manchester Hoteliers’ Association launches scheme partnering schools with hotels

The Manchester Hoteliers’ Association (MHA) has launched a pilot scheme alongside local schools to encourage young people into the hospitality industry.

Seventeen hotels have been paired with 17 schools with the aim of providing further knowledge and experience of the career pathways the sector has to offer. The initiative will see hotels provide talks, site visits, events with parents and pupils, such as hotel takeovers, as well as work experience opportunities, spa orientation days and careers fairs. An event will take place approximately every month until schools break up for the summer.

Manchester hotels involved in the scheme include the Dakota, the Stock Exchange hotel, Hotel Football, Hilton Deansgate, Gotham, the Lowry and Hotel Brooklyn.

Some of the region’s schools involved in the scheme include Stockport Grammar School, Altrincham College, Coop Academy Walkden, West Hill School, Flixton Girls School, Bramhall High School and Droylsden High School. It is hoped the scheme will encourage students aged 14-16 to take up roles in hospitality businesses or pursue further education in hospitality.

The MHA plans to continue the scheme from the next academic year with even more schools and hotels.

Head of MHA and general manager of the Lowry Adrian Ellis (pictured) said: “The pilot scheme aims to encourage and motivate students into considering a career in the hospitality industry. Many associate working in hospitality with long and unsociable hours, therefore we felt it was important to reposition this view and educate young people on the number of opportunities available.

“With such a large talent pool of young people across Manchester it is absolutely vital we are showing them the benefits of working in hospitality and the plethora of roles we have on offer in the city.”

The scheme was a Hoteliers' Charter initiative as part of the organisation’s pledge to raise the profile of the industry and promote the sector as a profession of choice. Ellis, who leads its education panel, also hopes to roll out the model through other hotel associations across the country.