Ministerial visit at WKC

The Diploma, which has been developed by People 1st, the sector skills council for hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism, in conjunction with employers, higher education establishments, schools and colleges, will launch in September 2009. The Minister met with major employers from the industry including Michael Gray, Churchill Hyatt Hotel General Manager, who is championing the new Diploma to hear his views on how it will benefit the hospitality industry. During the visit, the Minister also spent time chatting to students of the college to listen to their feedback on plans for the new course. The Diploma in Hospitality is a new qualification for 14 to 19 year-olds that combines theoretical study with practical experience and is highly valued by employers and universities. It gives students an insight into work and will help them make decisions about their future direction without narrowing options. The Diploma will provide the skills and knowledge needed for progression into employment, further and higher education. It will prepare them to progress into a variety of jobs from cooking and catering to organising events or working in one of the support functions of an organisation, for example finance or marketing. The course has been developed with the insight of employers who are keen to support schools and colleges, delivering the diploma so that learners can benefit from realistic current practices when teaching of the diploma starts in September 2009. Commenting on the visit, the Minister said: "Diplomas are a massive reform which will offer exciting new choices for young people to learn what they need to in the way they want to, thanks to a unique blend of theoretical and practical education. Employers are telling us that they think the Diploma will give students a head start, opening up opportunities and equipping young people with the necessary knowledge and skills for university or work." Heather Taylor of People 1st, added: "The combined input of partners and industry employers in shaping this course has been invaluable. By creating and delivering a course which simultaneously meets the needs of students, education providers and employers, we can continue to rise to the challenge of creating and maintaining a highly skilled workforce within the hospitality industry." The course will offer the flexibility to students to choose to progress to an apprenticeship, higher education or employment.