A Greenwich hotel has opened an “Academy of Hospitality” that will “train the future stars of hospitality.”
The training facility at Devonport House is De Vere‘s fifth such academy and the first based in London.
400 young people who are not currently in education or employment will receive training for careers in the hospitality sector at the Academy every year.
Richard Balfour-Lynn, Chief Executive of De Vere Group and Patron of the Academy said at the opening:
“As London, and in particular Greenwich, prepares for one of the biggest hospitality events in the world in 2012, it is perhaps particularly opportune that we are opening here today.
“We recognized the shortage of well trained, experienced individuals entering our business and therefore, through the Academy of Hospitality, our mission was simple: to create the right environment and training programme that would kick-start the career of many young people and give them all the tools they need to be outstanding in what they do.”
Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Skills, commented:
“We welcome the opportunity to work closely with De Vere, not least because we share the common goal that skills and training programmes should truly open doors for participants.
“Greenwich Local Labour and Business, an agency supported by us to help local people access training and jobs, and are working closely with De Vere to recruit local young apprentices to the Academy and we look forward to seeing them graduate with a bright future at an exciting time for this sector in Greenwich.”
The Greenwich Academy of Hospitality is working in partnership with Greenwich Council, The Green Kitchen and Charlton Athletic FC and is supported by the National Apprenticeship Service.