Springboard to a career in tourism
| Springboard to a career in tourism | |
| 27 June 2006 Issued by VisitScotland. VisitScotland and Springboard Scotland have launched a new initiative to encourage young people to follow a career in tourism and provide Scotland’s tourism industry, worth an estimated £4 billion annually, with an appropriately skilled workforce. An interactive CD-Rom resources kit has been developed by VisitScotland’s quality and standards team and Springboard Scotland to promote tourism as a career to schools and colleges. Intended for use within the school curriculum it has been specifically designed to appeal to young people at schools and colleges with the aim of stimulating interest in tourism and outlining the variety of careers that are available. The launch event brought together representatives from schools, colleges and tourism businesses and incorporated speakers from each sector, followed by an interactive session using the CD-Rom. A key speaker was S6 pupil, Laura James, from Culloden Academy. Laura is studying travel and tourism. “Tourism is an extremely rewarding career and one that is of vital importance to Scotland’s future to ensure long term economic gain,” said Colin Houston, quality development manager for VisitScotland. “We need to ensure that tourism is here to stay, is sustainable and exists for generations to come. Everyone has a responsibility for developing this industry, protecting the environment and creating jobs with solid career paths.” Using case studies of people working in the tourism industry, the CD-Rom outlines the wide range of career opportunities on offer. Case studies have also been developed in collaboration with key industry partners such as EasyJet, Hilton Hotels and David Lloyd Leisure. These have been adapted for use in the delivery and assessment of the Travel and Tourism curriculum from Intermediate 1 to Higher Level. To bring the industry and the career opportunities available to life, a range of movie clips where key industry representatives talk about their experiences of working in the industry is also included. Each case study is accompanied by student activities and guidance notes and provides up to date relevant and informative approaches to covering the subject. Roisin Taylor, Highlands and Islands operational manager for Springboard said: “The CD-Rom is a fantastic resource for all those involved in tourism. The title' 'Tourism is Everyone's Business' is very appropriate and should be used by every business to promote the importance of tourism to the Highland economy and indeed the Scottish economy. It should also be used to promote exciting, sustainable careers to all and to help everyone realise the sheer beauty of the area in which we live. This product also shows a very successful partnership between Springboard Scotland and VisitScotland. A very worthwhile, usable tool for every business and education establishment.” Tourism Minister, Patricia Ferguson gave the CD-Rom her full endorsement: “Our ambition is to have the best regarded tourism workforce in the world, with highly-skilled managers and leaders who nurture and value their staff,” she said. “This CD-Rom helps that process, encouraging young people to take up a career in tourism, one of Scotland’s booming industries.” Further details about the CD-Roms can be obtained from: Mary Hemsworth E-mail: Mary Hemsworth | |