HIT announces £100,000 scholarship scheme

The Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has announced a £100,000 scholarship scheme to help catering and tourism businesses in Scotland inspire their employees during the recession.

Applications are now open for the scholarship scheme. HIT Scotland is looking for 200 ambitious and talented individuals to attend world class training courses.

Organisers believe that the programme could potentially return over a million pounds through new skills, promoting best practice, improving staff retention across the industry and raising aspirations to encourage professional development.

The programme looks to reward and recognise people who are ready to take the next step in their career and have a commitment to driving aspirations in Scottish hospitality. On their return they are expected to share their experiences with colleagues and raise the bar for the industry as a whole.

As 75% of companies in the industry employ fewer than ten members of the staff, HIT Scotland are encouraging smaller operators to apply. This includes bars, restaurants, travel operators and visitor attractions.

The scholarships will be awarded at the emerging talent conference on the 3rd February 2010 at Perth Concert Hall.
 
David Cochrane, chief executive of HIT Scotland, said: "In the short term the emerging talent scholarships help stretch hard training budgets and through scholars sharing their experiences with colleagues. Individuals benefit from the prestige of the award and the new skills they develop. 

"In the longer term the scholarship programme aims to find and nurture the next generation of leaders, the people who will push the industry forward for the next half century."

To apply visit www.hitscotland.org.  Entries close on the 11th December 2009.

Words: Maria Bracken

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