Guernsey College of Further Education in partnership with Guernsey Hospitality Association (GHA) is holding an ‘introduction to hospitality’ open day on Monday 14 June from 3.30 – 7.30pm. The event will provide an overview of the diverse career opportunities available within the hospitality industry as well as showcasing the fantastic catering facilities at the College.

Taking place at the College’s Future Chefs Restaurant and kitchens at Coutanchez Campus, the event is aimed at school leavers, those interested in summer work, those looking for a new opportunity, flexible working parents and anyone else interested in potential opportunities within the sector.

Attendees will enjoy a mocktail, watch cooking demonstrations and have the opportunity to view the impressive training kitchens and restaurant. Industry professionals from local hotels and College lecturers will be on hand to chat about current recruitment opportunities, the College’s professional cookery apprenticeship as well as other potential training opportunities in the hospitality sector.

Jane Fears, Director of Business Development at the College said: “Hospitality is an important sector in the island and it offers a wide range of career options. It’s essential that the College’s training provision is aligned to the needs of the local business community to ensure that our students gain the knowledge and skills that are needed by the respective sector. We are delighted to be working closely with the GHA to develop our provision in this sector. One option is the introduction of a Hospitality Apprenticeship to complement the Professional Cookery qualification already available.”

Gareth Byrne, General Manager of the Duke of Richmond Hotel and Education Lead for the GHA said: “We’re looking forward to this event and meeting people who are interested in the world of hospitality. I’m involved in a number of education projects, sharing what we do with islanders, with the aim of attracting more individuals into this exciting industry. The career opportunities are extremely diverse and include accountancy, sales and marketing, HR as well as food and beverage management.”

Alan Sillett, President of the GHA added: “The partnership with the Guernsey College of Further Education is working really well. The facilities available to students to further their career in hospitality are in line with what would be found in any of our hotel and restaurant kitchens.

“The GHA has invested a lot of time and resources in getting to this stage and we will endeavour to assist where we can to support the apprenticeship or other training programmes through the College.