Bootle-based further education college Hugh Baird is launching a new package of Hospitality and Tourism courses to support Merseyside’s thriving £3 billion visitor economy.
The Liverpool Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP – see notes to editors [1]) has made the visitor economy one of its four key growth areas (see notes to editors [2]).
Hugh Baird Principal Yana Williams said a huge number of opportunities exist in the visitor economy across ages and academic abilities. But she added there is an urgent need for workers to ‘train, train and retrain’ to meet the changing needs of such a dynamic and demanding sector.
“Hugh Baird is determined to throw its weight behind the LEP’s visitor economy strategy,” said Ms Williams. “To that end we are launching new Hospitality and Catering and Travel and Tourism qualification programmes to help grow the skill base on Merseyside. Our approach is twofold we want to give first class rigorous training to young people, the future workforce, who want to crack the sector. Secondly we want to work with businesses to up skill existing workers to ensure their skills are bang up to date. This enables the business to react quickly and grow with the sector as it evolves and moves forward.”
Ms Williams said training courses will cover a wide range of disciplines from chefs to concierges, tourism sales and marketing to resorts reps and cabin crew.
“This new package will offer an extensive selection of courses and qualifications to people of all ages,” she said. “The Hospitality and Catering and Travel and Tourism courses are available to people aged from 14 to adults. The courses range from introductory-level qualifications to the more advanced extended diplomas which can lead on to Higher Education. Moreover specialist programmes are available for senior staff and managers who already work in the sector. We can work closely with employers to design courses to meet their needs.”
Ms Williams pointed to LEP estimates that by 2023 the visitor economy will be worth £4.3 billion to the region, creating employment for around 57,000 people. It currently attracts 4.6 million tourists a year and supports around 43,000 jobs.
“We are in a tremendous position because the Liverpool City Region is one of the prime visitor destinations in the UK,” she said. “And that position is set to consolidate and get stronger. Liverpool is already seeing an impressive increase in four-star and boutique hotels, commercial leisure attractions and independent restaurants. Hugh Baird’s new training package provides widely recognised qualifications to help people reach the formidable standards required to maintain and build on the sector’s success.”
If you are an employer or learner interested in finding out more about Hugh Baird’s visitor economy training courses phone: 0151 353-4444 or email: enquiries@hughbaird.ac.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
[1] LIVERPOOL LOCAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
Liverpool Local Economic Partnership represents the six local authorities of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and the Wirral.
It promotes business growth and strategic economic development across the region by liaising with businesses, local councils and the Government, focusing on four key areas of growth: SuperPort, the Knowledge Economy, the Visitor Economy and Low Carbon.
[2] THE VISITOR ECONOMY
Liverpool LEP’s aims for the visitor economy include: Liverpool always being in the UK’s top five short-break destinations, top 20 favourite European Cities and top three UK conference cities; The City Region should be recognised for high quality hotels, fantastic shopping, unrivalled public transport and unique visitor welcome; There should be a stronger food offering with better awareness of local produce.
Hugh Baird College
Hugh Baird College is a Further Education college in Bootle with more than 7,000 students. It is committed to improving life, job and business prospects through our excellent education, training and support. It offers more than 300 courses including Business Studies, Bricklaying, Performing Arts, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy. Hugh Baird’s study programme includes full time, part time or apprenticeship courses. It also offers a range of qualifications including national diplomas, NVQs, A Levels and full Honours Degrees. Hugh Baird College was also at the top of the league table for Merseyside based on points score per examination entry according to Government League Tables January 2011.