A matchmaking service for jobs aimed at every age group is being offered to the hospitality and tourism sector in the Lake District.
Lake District Hotels Association is running regular informal sessions designed to encourage older people to return to the workplace or come out of retirement.
And at the other end of the spectrum, the association is working with colleges throughout the North West to offer work placements to students who are on their way to a career in hospitality.
The scheme for young people has been running for a couple of years and, says the association’s chair Ben Mayou, they are delighted to see an increasing number of students wanting placements in the Lakes.
“Students want to get a flavour of our industry and the importance of being a tourist hot spot,” Ben said. “What we need now, though, is more hotels and tourist attractions to offer places to this potential future workforce.”
Lancaster and Morecambe College has been particularly keen to work with the Association to find work experience for groups of Level 2 and Level 3 students.
“The advantage here is that they live near enough to go home at weekends to free up rooms at busy times if required,” Ben said and as general manager at the Lakeside Hotel and Spa at Newby Bridge knows the value of the work experience scheme.
“We currently have eight full time team members across several departments who first came to us through work placement or experience visits so it’s a proven pipeline for recruitment.”
For the older age group, who might be semi-retired, looking for part time work the next informal event at the Lakeside Hotel at Newby Bridge on May 1.
