Manchester Hoteliers Association schools project to be rolled-out across the UK

A project which connects Manchester’s hotel network with the hospitality stars of the future is expanding across the UK following its initial success across the city.

Founded in 2021 by Adrian Ellis, chair of the Manchester Hoteliers Association and general manager of the Lowry Hotel, in partnership with the Careers Hub team within the GMCA (Greater Manchester Combined Authority), the initiative aims to inspire the next generation of hospitality talent by providing a series of in-person insights with a partnered hotel.

The project has grown to partner 32 schools with hotels across Greater Manchester, giving pupils access to employer encounters at various careers events, chef masterclasses, practical demonstrations, workplace visits and insights into behind the scenes occupations, as well as myth-busting industry misconceptions.

Formerly known as the School and Hotel Liaison Programme, Hospitality Connect aims to foster interest in hospitality, with the goal of enhancing awareness of career prospects and pathways across the breadth of the sector.

The programme also offers recommended contacts and links with Springboard for informative resources and initiatives, serving as an introduction to the diverse world of hospitality.

Thanks to funding from the Savoy Educational Trust, Hospitality Connect is now being rolled out to 10 city regions across the UK, replicating the blueprint established in Manchester.

The 10 regions will likely be: The Lake District; Leeds; York; Newcastle; Southampton; West and Central London; Edinburgh; Inverness; and potentially Newport and Cardiff, with more regions expected to register interest soon.

Regions already up and running are Manchester, Liverpool and Chester.

Adrian Ellis said: “We’re thrilled to expand Hospitality Connect as it enters its third year and are very proud that the fantastic work being done in our great city is being rolled out across the UK.

“Our aim is to transform how the hospitality industry is perceived and encourage students to consider it as a viable career option.

“We take pride in offering essential contacts and information, fostering the integration of young talent into the hospitality field and driving positive change.”

Laura Johnson, hotels and schools liaison manager and co-deliverer of the initiative, said: “Hospitality is one of Greater Manchester’s 15 significant growth sectors and so, we need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to both showcase opportunities and harness the industry superstars of the future.

“It’s well documented that the sector suffers from significant recruitment issues and Hospitality Connect aims to tackle that head on by nurturing a future talent pool. By fusing curriculum with employment encounters, we can provide a real flavour of life within hospitality and shine a light on the sector within the Greater Manchester economy.”