Fairmont St Andrews continues to recruit local talent

Following the decision for Britain to leave the EU in 2016, Fairmont St Andrews spent two years developing a unique three-year Junior Hotelier Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme covering all areas of hospitality.

This has now expanded to an elective four-year Graduate Apprenticeship in partnership with Dundee University as well as a 2 year Professional Cookery Apprenticeship.

John Keating states “One of the biggest challenges we are facing now in the industry is maintaining the talent pool for hospitality and keeping the drive for young leaders. Over the last couple of years, I have worked alongside the Scottish government to develop a three-year hospitality apprenticeship scheme and now a four-year hospitality graduate apprenticeship.”

The importance of apprentices in business has been proven over the course of this year more than ever, they are the backbone of the operation. With the industry being as volatile as it is, we should not give up on the future talent of hospitality. Instead we should be adapting and creating new opportunities that will see students flourish.

We currently employee 8 apprentices:

• 3 Graduate Apprentices in their 2nd year of University
• 1 Graduate Apprentice in his first year of University
• 4 Modern apprentices: 3 have just started year 2 and 1 is in their 3rd year

The hotel will look to take on 5+ successful candidates in January 2021, targeting school leavers aged 16-19 years old, then build on this number each year.

In addition to the hospitality apprenticeship schemes available for young people, the hotel works with local primary school pupils, inviting them to the hotel to teach them about the importance of health and nutrition and sustaining the region for generations to come.

As a world renowned hotel and destination, Fairmont St Andrews offers young people career opportunities across the business. The workforce at Fairmont St Andrews are encouraged to work and learn different skill sets throughout the many departments at the resort – giving them a rounded experience and opportunities to meet and work with people from across the globe as well as travelling within the Fairmont brand.

Apprentices are key to our development and retention of staff. There is a shortage of skilled workers in the hospitality sector, therefore if we can train and develop our own team and retain them, then we will have a constant pool of talent.

A foundation apprenticeship in Hospitality is soon be launched and we are dedicated to supporting the local community schools with this course. We will provide training regularly to those who apply.

Should you know a young person who may be interested in applying we have extended the deadline for Fife Chamber members and their family/friends. Please ask them to contact Carol-Ann Hibbert, Director of Talent & Culture direct: [email protected]