Graduation day for Argyll’s new hospitality diploma
A new training scheme run by Argyll College and a Loch Fyne spa resort schooling the next generation of hospitality professionals has produced its first graduates.
Members of staff at Portavadie, Loch Fyne, received their Continual Personal Development Awards at Higher National Diploma level from Argyll College’s principal Martin Jones.
The award is a culmination of a two-year programme which included being immersed in workshops delivered by exemplars of industry, developed by Jackie Cannon of the WayAhead People and Portavadie’s managing director Iain Jurgensen.
The cohort completed a series of workshops focussed on critical areas of the business including financial management; sales and marketing; talent and retention; emotional intelligence; and developing networks and partnerships. They then split into two teams to research and deliver on business critical projects.
A delighted Iain Jurgensen said: ‘Today is the culmination of a lot of effort from all those involved.
‘It’s truly great to see the smiles and sense of pride and achievement from all those involved from all sides today but in particular the ‘graduates’, our first cohort of what we hope will become an integral part of achievement and opportunity for our partnership and collaboration with education.
‘Continual career development and recognition across the industry is critical to attracting and retaining new talent in tourism and hospitality.
‘We have such an array of talent within our industry with diverse skills already on rewarding career pathways; it’s great to see that recognised by our academic partners.’
Argyll College said it was ‘proud to have worked hand-in-hand with the team at Portavadie in developing this CPD award for the hospitality sector.
‘Employer partnerships, and investment in industry-led curriculum development in key sectors such as tourism, is critical to our mission to remain Argyll’s foremost higher education provider.
‘We are grateful to the management of Portavadie for their unwavering commitment to the professional development of their staff.
‘These young professionals, who are the first cohort to have gained this leadership award, should be rightfully proud of their achievement.’