Busby Hotel gives young people a first step on career path

The young graduates at The Busby Hotel after completing their hospitality training.

The Manorview Hotels & Leisure Group has been working with hospitality industry organisation Hi!, and its charity partner, Action for Children.

The programme gives young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds the experience of realistic working environments, while also learning new skills, gaining qualifications and improving their confidence.

Ten young people aged between 16-25 took part in the six-week training programme, with the students gaining hands-on work experience at The Busby Hotel, as well as at The Torrance Hotel in East Kilbride and The Lynnhurst Hotel in Johnstone.

Trainee chef Sarah Carracher with Gary Quinn, The Busby Hotel head chef.

The students spent time in the kitchen, set tables, served customers, made coffees, helped behind the bar, and learned about good customer service.

The programme also included many other key partners to learn artisan baking, cocktail making sessions and latte-making skills, and they gained industry recognised qualifications in Food Hygiene and Customer Service.

The students wre also given an insight into Glasgow’s tourism and events scene.

The training programme culminated with a graduation lunch at The Busby Hotel.

Four of the graduates have earned jobs with The Manorview Group, including Sarah Carracher and Ryan McNealy at The Busby Hotel.

Trainee chef Sarah (20) is following in her dad, also a chef, who sadly passed away four years ago. Sarah has definitely inherited her dad’s skills and passion, because she impressed Gary Quinn, Head Chef at The Busby Hotel.

Gary said: “Sarah’s got talent, which I saw straight away, and she’s also determined to succeed. I’m really proud of her achievements so far.”

Sarah said: “My dad was a chef and before he passed away, I told him I’d be a chef too, and now my dream has come true.”

Steve Graham, Business Leader of Manorview Group, said: “It’s important we continue to promote hospitality as a long-term career choice.

“Through this programme we’ve been introduced to a group of enthusiastic young people who have a lot to offer.

“We’re also fortunate to have years of experience, great venues and expert teams of people, all of which enables us to provide nurturing environments for young people looking to get on a career path.

“What’s most pleasing to see is how we can make a difference by working in partnership, and how much confidence the students gain from this programme.”