A Tourism and Hospitality event organised by Local MSP Rachael Hamilton, Borders College, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Borders and Midlothian Borders Tourism Action Group (MBTAG) is set to go for 26th February.
The event, A Taste of Borders Tourism, is in response to a future skills gap concern from local Hospitality and Tourism employers in the Borders.
The event will welcome 187 pupils from secondary schools across the Borders to Kelso Racecourse to learn more about the vast array of opportunities in the Tourism and Hospitality sector and inspire them to consider this as a rewarding career. It will also help explain what skills are needed not only to succeed in the sector, but also to explain what skills it is short of.
The event is being kindly sponsored by Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers, Rabbie’s Tours Scotland, Kelso Racecourse and DYW Borders.
Organisations taking part in the event are:
- Born in the Borders.
- Firebrick Brasserie.
- Visit Scotland.
- Barony Castle.
- Buccleuch Arms.
- Carfraemill.
- Borders College.
- MBTAG.
- Provender Melrose.
Tourism contributes around £20 million to the Borders economy.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said: "I am really excited and pleased this event is going ahead on 26th February. It’s really important that young people in the Borders are aware that they live in the Tourism and Hospitality Scottish capital.
"It’s also really important that young people know what skills they need to get ahead in the sector, what careers the Tourism and Hospitality offers and what skills it needs.
"There is currently a skills shortage in the sector and that is felt in the Scottish Borders. My hope is that this event will inspire young people to get involved in the sector here in the Borders and help it grow."
Shani Barclay form Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers added: "As patrons of the Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland, we are delighted to be supporting this event. With a local presence in the Scottish Borders, we feel it is important to educate the next generation on the skills needed and highlight the career opportunities here within the hospitality and tourism sector."
Andrea Hall, DYW Borders Programme Manager, said: "A Taste of Borders Tourism is all about bringing together pupils who are taking a tourism or hospitality related subject in their senior phase and industry specialists. We are delighted with the level of interest and commitment from local tourism industries to showcase the exciting opportunities available here in the Borders."