Announcement marks 'new dawn' for hospitality training

09/05/2008 16:00:23

A £100 million hospitality skills academy has been given the go ahead by the government this week.

The academy, masterminded by the National Skills Academy for Hospitality, will consist of a number of training environments with hotel and restaurant schools established in major cities and will work alongside other hospitality colleges.

Barcelo Hotels, Compass Group, Terry Laybourne and the Edge Foundation are investing £14 million between them to develop the facilities.

Other supporters of the venture include McDonalds Restaurants, Premier Inn, De Vere Hotels and InterContinental Hotels.

David Lammy, minister for skills, said: "Hospitality is a vibrant and dynamic industry that plays a key and growing role in the success of the UK.

"This new Academy will enable thousands of people to gain the skills and confidence to build successful and rewarding careers."

Tourism minister Margaret Hodge added that the academy is "excellent news for the tourism industry" and would "raise standards" across the hospitality sector.

Earlier this month it was announced that the National Skills Academy would add three new sections to its network: sport and active leisure, creative and cultural and hospitality.

Restaurant jobs in the south-east

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