Macdonald hotels launches UKís first hospitality education centre to combat skills shortage

- 700,000 investment
- 30 new jobs
- New model for debt free study

Macdonald Hotels Ltd is investing 700,000 in the future of hospitality and creating 30 new jobs, with the launch of a new world class education and training centre, tomorrow (Thursday 26 April 2007). Based at the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort, the centre will help combat the growing skills shortage within the industry, and will be the first of its kind in the UK.

The Centre of Applied Tourism and Hospitality Management (CATHM) will adopt the renowned Swiss hotel school model of applied learning and will be run by Managing Director, Dr Craig Thompson, who has trained many of the worldís upcoming hospitality managers during his five years as Academic Director of Swiss Education Group in Montreux, Switzerlandís largest provider of hospitality education.

The Centre will initially cater for 24 students but within three years up to 120 national and international students will be studying at the centre.

CATHM will be a driving force for education across not only the Macdonald Hotels Group, but also the industry. With a major skills shortage in the hospitality and tourism sectors, the launch will be welcomed across the industry. The expertise of Dr Thompson, coupled with the backing of Macdonald Hotels will enable CATHM to offer unparalleled educational programmes.

The Centre will also create a new model for debt free study. Students pay an up front fee at the start of their course, covering tuition, accommodation and food, meaning living costs are negligible. Paid internships are then built into each stage of the programme, enabling students to graduate debt free and better prepared for professional life!

With the support of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The University of the Highlands, Swiss Education Group and Motherwell College, CATHM will offer a growing number of programmes to external students and Macdonald Hotelsí staff including Higher National Certificates (HNC) in Professional Cookery and Hospitality Management, and diplomas, degrees and post-graduate qualifications in Applied Hospitality and Applied Tourism Management.

The issue of hospitality training is crucial ñ there are currently in excess of 20,000 tourism vacancies currently waiting to be filled in the UK, and this situation is set to worsen as the industry grows, and the country continues to attract major events such as the 2012 Olympics.

Dr Thompson said: ìHospitality and tourism is crucial to the UK economy, employing nearly two million people - seven per cent of Britainís total workforce and generating over 70 billion annually, but still many students choose it as a last resort. The standard of graduates in the UK, particularly their work readiness and professionalism, is slipping further behind those from continental hotel schools, leading to dissatisfaction among employers.

ìFor some time the industry has recognised the answer must come from inspirational education centres, backed by industry. I am delighted Macdonald Hotels has taken a bold and innovative step with the formation of CATHM.î

The centre will be based at the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort, an 80 million facility offering a wealth of dedicated training resources and state of the art educational environment in the beautiful surroundings of the Cairngorm National Park.

Dr Terry Stevens, International Tourism Consultant said: ìThis is a fundamentally important initiative for the UK hospitality industry. For many years the industry has searched for a solution capable of competing with the type of training provided by the Swiss hotel school model. This will place Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort at the heart of school development in the industry and reinforces the importance of Aviemore and the Cairngorms as a leading tourism destination.î

The first programmes to be run at CATHM will be HNCs in Professional Cookery and Hospitality Management offered in partnership with Motherwell College, which has an outstanding reputation for hospitality skills training. With courses commencing in May, CATHM is offering a limited number of sponsored places to businesses in the Aviemore and Cairngorm area. Businesses or individuals interested in applying or becoming involved should contact Dr Thompson directly at the resort.

David Guile, Deputy Chief Executive of Macdonald Hotels and Resorts, said: ìAs the first of its kind in the UK, CATHM will offer unique learning experiences for people looking for a career in hospitality. As a leader in the market we can offer students a wealth of knowledge and expertise and, just as importantly, the chance to gain hands-on skills through working in hotels across the country.î

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