Inverness College offers taster programme for school students

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Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, visited Inverness College last week to find out more about a programme which allows school pupils to experience life outside the classroom and prepare them for Further Education and training.

During her visit, the Minister spoke to S5 and S6 pupils from Glen Urquhart High School, who sampled courses in the Hospitality department as part of the Skills for Work programme.

Fiona Hyslop MSP said: “Education is not just about learning facts and figures ““ it’s also about gaining skills that will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life.

“It was great to see these pupils getting to grips with hospitality skills and working towards a recognised qualification. Even if they do not end up working in the tourism industry, they will still have gained valuable transferable skills which we know employers value.”

The programme, which began in June, aims to introduce pupils to career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry and develop the knowledge and skills necessary for employment.

Liz Ashburn, Senior Hospitality Lecturer at Inverness College, said: “This programme provides a unique opportunity for collaboration between the college and the school. It also enhances pupil development and broadens their understanding of the opportunities in the hospitality industry.”

Principal of Inverness College, John Spencer, added: “The Skills for Work programme is an excellent way for pupils to include vocational skills in their learning and gain experience in a subject area not always available to them in the traditional school curriculum. This could potentially widen their career horizons and give them the chance to learn new skills which will stand them in good stead for the future.”