Talent Showcase Workshop matching students with business

Visit Buckinghamshire: Boost in partnership with Buckinghamshire College Group, welcomed 66 students last week (18th May) to the latest Talent Showcase Workshop linking students to potential employers in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

The event which took place at Buckinghamshire College Group’s Aylesbury Campus, provided students searching for jobs the opportunity to meet businesses, share what they have to offer, whilst also developing their interview skills and finding out more about the opportunities available. In addition, businesses and students had the opportunity to engage with industry partners including The Institute of Hospitality Thames Valley Branch, the UK Spa Association, and ambassadors from the industry charity Springboard.

Lucy Dowson, Tourism Development Manager at Visit Buckinghamshire, said: “We were delighted to work in partnership with the Buckinghamshire College Group on this innovative event to bring together talented students with some of the countries very best hospitality employers to explore what is possible in the sector and inspiring the next generation.”

Lucy Milton, Head of Business Development and Sales at Buckinghamshire College Group, said: “Buckinghamshire College has been delighted to work in partnership with Buckinghamshire Business First hosting the first talent Showcase Workshop for Hospitality which gave our final year students the opportunity to meet leading employers in hospitality. The event helped students learn first-hand about the sector, what training is available, what to expect from a career in the industry and most importantly how to get started. Students gained inspiration for their careers whilst networking with leading employers from the area. An inspiring event which has given a huge boost to the start of their job searches and career choices.”

 The workshop included presentations and a Q&A followed by interviews between employers and students which were split into focused sessions in tourism, hospitality, sport, beauty and hair.

This event was part of Visit Buckinghamshire: Boost, a programme of support being delivered in partnership by Visit Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire Business First and Buckinghamshire Council, and funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund*.

 Visit Buckinghamshire: Boost helps businesses in the tourism, hospitality and leisure sector prepare for future trends, and offers a range of bespoke support. Businesses can access a range of support, consisting of 1-2-1 advice from a team of experienced advisers, digital training programmes, carbon and accessibility audits, action planning, in-depth workshops, and inspirational events. £250 vouchers will also be available to support the implementation of new initiatives and training.

Visit Buckinghamshire: Boost is a fully funded, but time-limited programme, running to June 2022, so interested businesses are urged to apply early. To apply for the Visit Buckinghamshire: Boost Programme please visit: www.bbf.uk.com/boost , email boost@bbf.uk.com or call 01494 927130.

Visit Buckinghamshire and The Chilterns is the official Destination Management Organisation (Tourist Board) for Buckinghamshire. Hosted and managed by Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF), its website – www.visitbuckinghamshire.org/ – is the most visited tourism website in the county (over 20,000 visitors each month), providing ideas and inspiration on the best things to do and places to visit, stay, eat and drink.