College and Council team up to help students break into tourism

Yorkshire Coast College has teamed up with their local council to help Travel & Tourism students break into the industry.

Margaret McLeod, Customer First Assistant Manager (Transformational Management) for the Scarborough Borough Council, took time out of her busy schedule to advise the College’s Level 3 Travel & Tourism students. Ms McLeod provided them with advice and techniques on how to handle job interviews, including the types of questions to expect, to help them gain an understanding of how the tourism recruitment process works.

Student Saffron Pallister, 19, said: "Although I have attended a couple of interviews recently I found the session invaluable as it identified one or two weak areas. I can now put into practice what I have learnt, not only on this session, but from the course overall to hopefully get myself a job when I leave college."

Learners also particpated in role-play interviews under the watchful eye of the local council official, and Vicky Wright, a College HR Assistant, and two students from the group. Feedback was offered at the end of the session, as well as advice on items including how to use positive body language.

Janet Deacon, Customer Services Manager, said: "We were delighted to be asked to participate in the Travel and Tourism interview sessions. It is important to develop links with local schools and colleges, especially as these students are likely to form part of the Borough’s future tourism workforce. All of the students did extremely well and we hope that the assistance we provided will enable them to prepare for entry into the workplace."

Paul Pearson, Lecturer/Teacher, Travel & Tourism, said: "It can be quite daunting leaving college and applying for jobs so we invited an industry experienced professional along to prepare the students before they finish their studies. They were all really nervous before the role-play interviews took place which showed they took it seriously."

Pictured: Yorkshire Coast College Level 3 Travel & Tourism students with Paul Pearson, Lecturer/Teacher (far right) and Vicky Wright and Margaret McLeod (front left to right).