Hub International, a dedicated hospitality training organisation, has announced that it is expanding its operations in Ayrshire with its latest academy opening in North Ayrshire next month that will include a dedicated training skills hub on the Isle of Arran.
Hub International’s Hospitality Training Academy has been providing industry-specific training to address the challenges faced by the Ayrshire Hospitality & Tourism sector, a region which has one of the highest unemployment rates in Scotland, and despite businesses keen interest in creating a work environment that allows a good work-life balance, they have been struggling to meet staffing demands. Since the beginning of the year, it has been actively working with trainees across South and East Ayrshire, providing industry-specific training programs, covering practical sessions in Art of Barista, Mixology, practical Service Skills and Practical Cookery along with workshops on customer service.
It says that collaborating closely with industry partners has been key to bringing these programs to life, working with businesses such as Simpsinns, RAD group and Buzzworks which has allowed it to ensure its participants gain real life insights and practical work experience.
Stephanie Wade, CEO of Hub International, said, “The Ayrshire Training Academy has already proven to play a crucial role in attracting new talent to the industry. We have been offering comprehensive training programmes for over six months now, which has resulted in many of our trainees successfully moving into employment across all sectors of the industry. We are proud to be operating a VIP experience at Troon’s Open Golf Championship Patrons Suite where our local trainees have joined our professional team giving them invaluable paid work at such a prestigious event while elevating their CV’s.”
Kevin MacGillivray, Head of Culinary Projects, has been delivering these programs across South and East Ayrshire since the beginning of 2024. He said, “Being a chef all my life, this was a new challenge for me, and I have had the pleasure of helping some amazing people of all ages develop the key skills required to enter the industry.
“In just a few months, we have supported 70 people across South and East Ayrshire to learn new skills, gain work experience, and secure employment. I am delighted to be rolling this out into North Ayrshire and working with some great employers in this region.”