Park Inn by Radisson and Harlaw Academy launched their DYW flagship partnership on Wednesday, May 16. The hotel and school aim to promote careers within hospitality and tourism to both the pupils as well as their parents.
The business is focused on building a strong, mutually beneficial working relationship with Harlaw Academy. Harlaw Academy requested a 'whole school approach', ensuring a large number of faculties were engaged and benefit from the work being done with Park Inn by Radisson. This includes employability skills with the HR department, modern languages support the front of house team and STEM support from the Chief Engineer in addition to a generous donation to a third party STEM initiative.
The hotel has already hosted a year group at the hotel for an industry insight session and offered six pupils a work experience placement in line with their particular area of interest.
DYW are working with the two parties on their 2018-19 academic session activity plan.
The head teacher, David Innes asked by DYW on how the partnership has benefitted the school so far, responded: "Our young people need to see the importance this sector has on the whole economy and the opportunities that are available to them right on their doorstep. The pupils at Harlaw Academy have learned through the partnership what skills already have the dispositions they need to develop still to support themselves moving into the world of work".
One of the school’s pupils commented: "There are a lot more jobs than I thought there was within the industry. I never knew how many people are required to run a business. The partnership has made me want to work in the hotel and before working with Park Inn, this wasn't something I wanted to do. It has allowed me to see where I can start in the industry and where it could take me. I want to get more experience while I'm at school through the work experience placements".
DYW also asked the hotel about the advice for other organisations thinking about engaging with a school. Frank Whitaker, general manager, said: "This has been motivational for both sides. The team have really bought into inspiring young people to join the industry because it is fun, and a great job to have. It is the Year of Young People, so there is no better time to start".
