Aim-Hi! hospitality and events training programme helps 12 unemployed young people into jobs or further education

Aim-Hi!, a training programme aimed at encouraging unemployed young people to fill the skills gap in the hospitality sector is celebrating after 12 new recruits completed its programme.

The Aim-Hi! trainees took part in an intensive six-week course in partnership with Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events at Hampden Park Stadium, the hospitality training company, Hub International and the Glasgow based youth charity, Achieve More Scotland; with 100% of participants securing offers of employment and further education following graduation.

Set up to specifically support young people in Glasgow who since leaving school have not been able to gain employment or access to further education, the course encouraged the young people to gain all the necessary skills and confidence required to have a successful career in the hospitality industry. Students took part in masterclasses led by award winning hospitality ambassadors, covering bar flaring, professional cookery, patisserie, food safety and V.I.P service. Students also got the chance to put their skills into practice whilst working at the 2018 European Championships.

On completion of the course, a special graduation ceremony was held in Hampden’s Millennium Suite and was attended by over 40 supporters, from the friends and family of the young people, to the trainers, employers and ambassadors involved in their journey.

Stephanie Wade, CEO, Hub International, said: “This successful partnership shows what can be done when industry, education and third sector collaborate to support young people into positive futures.

“There is a nationwide skills shortage in the hospitality industry, particularly for entry level roles. If we can encourage employers to recruit from a wider talent pool, specifically those who have previously been excluded from the labour market, with a good introduction to front and back of house skills, we can then support existing staff to develop and help the hospitality industry grow as a whole.

“Sodexo has been a role model employer, taking time to provide skills training and personalised experiences to support these students, the team at Hampden has made a huge impact on the early years of their careers.”

Craig Younger, General Manager for Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events at Hampden Park said: “We are proud to support this initiative and have been continually impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm shown by the course participants.

“The graduation event marked the start of what I hope are long and successful careers in hospitality for these young people. All of the graduates have been offered jobs with the Sodexo family and as a team we look forward to watching them flourish and know they will be a huge asset to the company.”