Fairmont St Andrews, the luxury five-star hotel, has welcomed 11 local apprentices to the resort as part of the Scottish government Skills Development Scotland (SDS) scheme.
SDS is the national skills body supporting the people and businesses of Scotland to develop and apply their skills. SDS pays a contribution towards the cost of training and assessing Modern Apprentices on behalf of the Scottish Government.
In partnership with Xtra-Mile.com, a training provider for Modern Apprenticeships who specialise in training and developing young talent within the hospitality industry, Fairmont St Andrews will work with the apprentices to build their confidence, teach them the skills needed to succeeded in a career within hospitality and to gain an industry recognised qualification.
The apprentices will receive specialist training covering every department within the hotel including housekeeping, food and beverage and front of house. The scheme further pushes equal opportunities by eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity within the work place.
Throughout the scheme the apprentices will regularly meet with their mentors for follow up interviews and performance reviews to track development in which Fairmont St Andrews will keep the community updated on their progress.
Anneliese Archibald, managing director for Xtra-Mile.com, commented, “Xtra-Mile.com is absolutely delighted to be working with Fairmont St Andrews offering their team the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge while doing their jobs.
'They will achieve an industry-recognised qualification, which not only will add value to the business but to their own development and future career prospects. We look forward to this exciting partnership with Fairmont St Andrews and Skills Development Scotland.”
Fairmont St Andrews general manager, John Keating, added, “As part of our ongoing investment in the community we are dedicated in developing local talent and skills. The scheme provides a great platform for future colleagues to train within the tourism and hospitality industry and we look forward to working closely with them in the first stages of their careers.”