Twelve unemployed young people from Edinburgh have completed Scotland’s first Prince’s Trust Get into Hotels programme run by Marriott Hotels.
The new programme, designed to help unemployed young people with a passion for hospitality break into Edinburgh’s thriving hotel scene, has already meant that eight of the group secured jobs with some of the biggest names in the business.
Renowned hotelier, James Thomson, presented the group with certificates for REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene, Responsible Service of Alcohol and Health and Safety at a recent stylish celebration ceremony complete with afternoon tea.
After three weeks’ training, mentoring and hands-on experience, as part of the course, the young people had a chance to try their hands working at top hotels including The Marriott, Sheraton Grande, Balmoral, Thistle King James Hotel, Carlton, Radisson Blu, the Rutland, the Roxburghe and Prestonfield House.
Among the graduates was Torren Wilson, 24, who despite having worked in various sectors since the age of 15 had struggled to find a job after becoming unemployed five months ago.
Being out of work left Torren feeling depressed. He said: “I was feeling low and I had given up on myself. The course has given me a bit of belief in myself and I couldn’t ask for anything better. Before I went on the course, I was actually unaware of the opportunities on offer in hospitality. I’ve now seen that there are a million doors that could open once you get into the industry.”
The Marriott was so impressed with Torren that they have offered him a permanent position.
Stephen Williamson, 21, has also secured work as a concierge at Prestonfield House, after two months of looking for a job. He said: “I found it quite difficult to get another job because I didn’t have the experience and I couldn’t get that experience without a job. “
Tricia Rainey, Cluster Director of Human Resources at Marriott Hotels Scotland, said: “Young people can find themselves in a vicious circle, struggling to get a job without experience and unable to get that experience without first getting a job. Get into Hotels has given them the experience and skills that were missing from their CVs and seen them grow in confidence.”
Finlay Laverty of the Prince’s Trust, added: “We are delighted by the success of the first ever Get into Hotels programme in partnership with Marriott. By working in partnership with world-class brands like Marriott, our Get into programmes give young people a winning combination of training and experience. Partnerships like this not only allow young people to realise their ambitions and aspirations but also demonstrate to employers just how much they have to offer.
“Following the success of our first ever Get into Hotels programme we will continue to work with Marriott Hotels to help more young people take their first steps to a sustainable and rewarding career.”
The Prince’s Trust will support all participants who completed the course, helping them into work, education or training.
Get into Hotels was funded by the Wood Family Trust, Edinburgh Capital City Partnership, the Scottish Government and the European Social Fund.
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