TOURISM chiefs are offering young people the chance to give the region’s £1billion industry a try.
Students aged 15 to 24 from schools and colleges across central and south Warwickshire are taking part in Warwickshire’s first ever Tourism and Hospitality World of Work (WoW) initiative – launched at Warwick Castle, one of the first businesses in the region sign up to support the programme.
The Warwickshire County Council scheme aims to give youngsters taster sessions in various roles within the region’s tourism sector – from event management to marketing, business development for conferences to exhibitions and weddings.
Taster sessions already in place include a chance to gets hands-on experience in all aspects of the running of an hotel at The Mallory Court near Leamington, and the opportunity to discover how a major museum operates at Gaydon’s British Motor Museum.
Coun Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council and board member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The visitor economy is worth around £1billion per year to Warwickshire.
“It supports a huge range of businesses from visitor attractions to supplier industries including farming, transport, retailing, sport, museums and galleries, the theatre and other performing arts.
“The tourism sector touches everyone in our region – visitors, residents and employees alike. It’s a significant source of employment for those unable to work full-time and is a major employer of school leavers and young people, as well as an incubator for entrepreneurs.
“Warwickshire Tourism and Hospitality World of Work initiative is all about celebrating the opportunities available in this diverse sector and inspiring young people through real hands-on experience to consider the sector for future employment.”
Email [email protected] for further details on the project.
