Saira launching London hospitality school to train people from disadvantaged backgrounds

Saira Hospitality, a global non-profit hospitality training programme that sources and trains talent from disadvantaged backgrounds, has partnered with several of London’s leading hospitality brands to launch its first permanent hospitality school in the capital.

The school, which is set to open in May on Redchurch Street in east London, will help source and hire talent, providing vital support to London’s hotels facing an unprecedented staffing crisis.

Brands including Hoxton, Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, Edyn, Inhabit and Montcalm have partnered with Saira Hospitality to hire graduates from the school and provide employment opportunities.

Saira Hospitality’s chief executive Harsha L’Acqua said: “In the face of the largest staffing crisis hospitality has seen, the need to think differently, as well as collectively as an industry has never been greater. We have a unique moment to introduce a new way of hiring to the industry at a time when they are forced to listen, bringing education, employment and opportunities to those who truly need and deserve it.”

Saira is also partnering with a series of other non-profits, local authorities and government organisations as well as refugee employment charities, youth empowerment groups and mentorship programmes for ex-offenders.

The school will work off Saira’s established curriculum, beginning with the development of soft skills such as cross-cultural communication and self-awareness, before building on the practical skills needed to enter front and back of house roles. Saira has joined with Cornell University’s online learning platform, eCornell, to offer students the opportunity to complete their online module in service excellence.

Stephen McCall, chief executive of Edyn, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Saira Hospitality and supporting their mission to evolve hiring practices in London. As a collective partner, we’re honoured to be part of such an inclusive project that will have a positive impact on people’s livelihood while launching new, lasting careers in the industry. We are excited to share our insights and experience, and be part of the process that nurtures undiscovered talent starting out in hospitality.”

Launched in 2014, Saira Hospitality has partnered with hotels around the world to educate and empower local communities.