On the 20th of February Developing the Young Workforce Lanarkshire & East Dunbartonshire partnered and sponsored a networking lunch for the Lanarkshire Chamber Of Commerce at the Torrance hotel in East Kilbride. With over 100 employers in attendance it was a great opportunity for networking and it was the most successful Chamber event to date.
Highlight of the event without question was the talented hospitality staff. Unaware to the employers they were being waited on by 14 young people from Duncanrig High, Calderglen High, and St Andrews & St Brides High. With 6 out of the 14 young people serving being from the local ASN school Sanderson High.
The employers were only made aware of being served by the young people during their lunch and were immediately full of praise and gave the young people a standing ovation. This was a fabulous opportunity to showcase the hospitality skills the young people have gained through their weekly employability programme that takes place at The Torrance.
Rose Coyle, DYW senior programme executive delivered a rousing speech to the employers about some of the activities taking place in our regions for our schools. Rose also mentioned what we have to offer and how we can support local businesses with engaging the next generation of skilled and talented youngsters. Members were keen to engage and find out how to DYW can support their business. This is the second year DYW Lanarkshire & East Dunbartonshire has worked in partnership with the Torrance Hotel (part of the Manorveiw Group), to deliver hospitality training to four of the local East Kilbride Schools. The senior phase pupils attend this training voluntary one night a month this allows them to learn the different aspects of the hotel. This has been a great success from the very start and has inspired several pupils to pursue either a college course or careers in hospitality. Don’t worry if you missed the event, your business can still play an important part for our schools. Whether you are looking to take on an Apprentice or fill a Saturday job vacancy. You can also give an industry insight or partner with a school and we can help you do this. If interested don’t hesitate to get in touch with us: