PICTURES: A group of students from Culloden Academy has started a new adventure in hospitality with the Drumossie Hotel
A group of students from Culloden Academy has started a new adventure with the Drumossie Hotel.
Fifth and sixth year pupils working with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) – the Scottish Government’s youth employment strategy to better prepare young people for the world of work – are being given the opportunity to learn how to work as part of a busy hospitality team.
Co-ordinator Dawn Gillies is based at Culloden Academy and is part of an initiative for Inverness and the central Highlands.
She said: “The people at Drumossie have been amazing, and the initiative is a great example of students working with employers.”
She said pupils were excited to get on and be part of the team at the popular hotel, learning skills in the kitchen and helping to serve customers.
One student has already bagged a job with the hotel on a part-time basis while she continues with her studies.
“The hospitality class will be learning to make Drumossie’s famous scones, as well as working in the kitchen,” Ms Gillies said.
“They will also be working front of house and learning skills such as serving people and looking after customers.
“It is hoped that it will all culminate in a fundraiser for Highland Hospice this December in memory of a very popular doorman who worked at the hotel.
“I never met Charlie Murray, who passed away earlier this year, but everyone in the hotel speaks so highly of him, and he is greatly missed. So we are delighted to be part of the fundraising event.”
Ms Gillies said the pupils, who are all studying their National 5 in hospitality, would benefit from working in a real live business.
She said: “The pupils will learn so many skills by being in the kitchen and front of house, and they are all looking forward to working in smaller groups who will now focus on the kitchen and customer service.”