‘Visitor Economy Week’ is back for its fifth year – showcasing the many options for a fulfilling career in the tourism industry.
Running from the 3-6 February, the week aims to also raise the profile of the sector as a progressive career choice. Over 50 events across the Liverpool City Region will demonstrate what life can be like working in hospitality, retail, tourism or travel.
Launched in 2015 by the Growth Platform visitor economy team, further education colleges and skills providers across the city region. The event will be launched at the Maritime Museum on 3rd February. The colleges taking part – along with local employers – are: Riverside College, Hugh Baird College, St Helens College, Knowsley Community College, Southport College, Wirral Met College and The City of Liverpool College.
The week targets anyone interested in the visitor economy sector as a career choice – from school leavers and college students through to those just starting out in employment or looking for a career change.
Events across the week include masterclasses in artisan bread making, butchery, afternoon tea, cocktails and barista training. Other subjects covered are – hair and beauty, fine dining, molecular gastronomy and hotel management. Paul Askew and colleagues from The Art School Restaurant will be demonstrating their skills. There are also talks and tours about the running of a hotel, HR skills in the hospitality industry, air traffic control plus an introduction to the travel industry – using a mock aircraft.
This year’s week is sponsored by both Liverpool Hospitality Association (LHA) and Apprenticeship Support by Be More – who focus on promoting and celebrating all things apprenticeships in the Liverpool City Region. Working closely with schools, colleges, residents and parents and, with the support from the ever-growing Apprentice Ambassador Network, they raise the profile of apprenticeships as valuable career options through the delivery of a range of skills shows and promotional events.
Peter Sandman, Head of Visitor Economy at Growth Platform said: “Now in its fifth year, Visitor Economy Week offers a clear demonstration of the wide range of roles right across the tourism sector, alongside practical career advice.
“The local visitor economy is now worth over £4.9bn annually and supports over 57,000 jobs. As these figures continue to rise so does improved job availability and variety. We hope even more people than ever before will benefit from the week to enable them to start pursuing a rewarding career.”
On behalf of Apprenticeship Support by Be-More, Siobhan Saunders, Divisional Manager Employment, Learning & Skills at Halton Borough Council said: “We are delighted to once again be sponsoring the Liverpool City Region Visitor Economy Week. Apprenticeships are an excellent route into the tourism industry and we have many examples of our residents starting their careers as apprentices and progressing through to a range of exciting and rewarding roles in the industry. Apprenticeship Support by Be-More will be promoting the fabulous variety of activities being delivered this week and we look forward to continuing our partnership with our further education and skills providers in the Liverpool City Region”.
For more details and a full list of events please go to www.growthplatform.org/visitor-economy-week/
Along with ‘Downtown in Business’, sponsors LHA will be hosting a breakfast ‘Skills and Visitor Economy debate’ at the Hope Street Hotel on the 5 February from 8-10am, with expert speakers from the industry. To register interest please email – steven@savvyhotels.com
To register for the launch event on 3 February at the Maritime Museum please click here.
