Careers in Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism
For many people the thought of a career in hospitality, leisure and tourism brings up images of chefs, fitness instructors and overseas reps….and nothing else! Well of course, these are all careers that fall within these sectors, but there is so much more to consider….in fact much, much more, the hospitality industry alone employs 1 in every 10 people in the UK, that's over 2.5 million people working in more than 30,000 establishments. Also, 1 in every 5 new jobs fall into this sector with another 400,000 new jobs created by 2006 according to The British Hospitality Association. That's a lot of jobs!
Not just chefs and waiters then? No way… this is a huge industry offering variety, diversity and tons of different jobs and career opportunities to suit everyone.
So what sort of person do you need to be to work in hospitality, leisure and tourism. Well to begin with you need to like people, and enjoy the challenge of working in a customer focused environment. You need to be flexible, adaptable, enjoy problem-solving and thinking on your feet and to be able to work as part of a team.
Michelle Davies is 21 and is a Receptionist with hotel group Jarvis. Michelle says that the diversity of the industry brings challenges and new opportunities, and that's what appeals to her. She says, "I originally came to Jarvis when I was on a year's industrial work experience from University, now I work part-time as a Receptionist which allows me to continue my studies towards a BA(Hons) in Hospitality Management". Her advice to anyone considering a career in hotels, "Don't be put off by the thought of long hours and less pay initially - I followed my heart when I chose this as a career and I don't regret it for a moment". Michelle hopes to go on to become a Conference and Events Manager when she has completed her degree.
But of course it's not just about hotels - the hospitality industry affects us every day - think about it - grabbing a sandwich for lunch, stopping off for a coffee or drinks with friends, staying at a hotel, going to the cinema or theatre, school meals, eating at a canteen in work, catching a train, motor-way service stations… the list goes on and on…….
Claire Rankin is Executive Chef at Fish plc. After studying general catering for 2 years in college her first job was as a chef in a small hotel, before joining Center Parcs as Commis Chef where she was quickly promoted to Chef de Partie. Moving to London she took a job specialising in fish and within two years became Executive Chef of a new restaurant group - Fish! She says, "My career is very satisfying and I was delighted to be given an industry 'Acorn' award in 2001. My advice to young chefs wanting to progress in their career would be to focus on what they want to achieve - put your head down and keep working. That's what I did - believe me, you will get noticed!"
What about travel and tourism! Sounds great, travel around, see the world, meet people - but is that really all it's about! Well no, of course not, just like any job or career it's what you make it, and of course the variety of this sector is enormous. It's a huge growth sector, valued at a massive £270 billion worldwide. In the last 10 years, international tourism has accounted for 1 in 6 of all jobs, 125,000 tourism businesses exist in the UK and 1.75 million people are employed in these businesses.
Travel and Tourism is closely linked with Hospitality and Leisure, all sectors are providing services for their customers. It's a very inter-dependent industry ….it's constantly expanding… which means more jobs and careers!
What's the best way in to this industry then and what qualifications do you need? Hospitality and Catering, like many other sectors, suffer from skills shortages in certain areas. Undoubtedly there are a wide range of jobs on offer - Receptionists, Bar, Conference and Banqueting, Event Management, Chefs, Waiters, Sales and Marketing, House-keeping, Food and Beverage Managers … these are just a few! The three main entry routes are :
- By getting a job and benefiting from company training and development - maybe alongside a part-time college course. Whitbread Restaurants offer a fantastic Chef apprentice scheme, which combines training in the work-place with a day-release to College.
- By becoming a trainee and securing a Modern Apprenticeship or National Traineeship which will offer full time training for young people up to the age of 25 to NVQ/SVQ level 3.
- By enrolling on a full-time college or university course. There are courses to suit all abilities, whatever your academic achievements.
If it's a career in Travel and Tourism that interests you, again there are too many jobs to mention here, Travel Agents, Overseas Reps, Cabin Crew, Marketing for a Tour Operator, Customer Relations, Operations Roles, Cruise Ships, Tourist Information Centres, just a few to consider. This sector is attractive to new recruits and competition can be tough, some of the qualifications that could help you on your way include:
- GNVQs unit-based qualifications designed to develop knowledge, skills and understanding in broad vocational areas. These can lead to further/higher education or employment and are available at levels 1 to 3.
- NVQs and SVQs. These provide a flexible approach allowing you to progress at your own pace. They have been devleoped to meet real needs of people at work and employers' requirements.
- Modern Apprenticeships - an opportunity to develop skills, expertise and gain NVQs whilst at work.
- Further and Higher Education - Many universities and some colleges offer HND or degree courses in Travel and Tourism and related subject areas. Often these courses include business studies, field trips, foreign languages and marketing elements.
Qualifications alone are no guarantee of a job in either the hospitality, leisure, travel or tourism industry a lot depends on your personality, attitude, communication skills and - common sense approach to work and life in general!
To find out more contact Springboard UK, who offer career advice on all aspects of the Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism industry. Their web-site www.springboarduk.org.uk has loads of information on working in these sectors, with web-links, cv advice, career profiles, and a college finder along with information on many of the leading employers so you can find out what is on offer in the way of job prospects, training and career progression.
Hospitality, Leisure, and Tourism might not be everyone's choice - but if you are enthusiastic, like people and want a career that's exciting, challenging and constantly developing - contact Springboard UK to check it out - you might just be surprised!
http://www.springboarduk.org.uk/
Related Links:
Global Career Opportunities in Hospitality and Tourism
