Welcome
Welcome and Introduction
It is that time of year when we are all thinking of having a break - it is the end of the education year. We need to recharge our batteries and prepare for the fresh start in September. However for the hospitality industry this is one of the busiest periods of the calendar year.
The Hospitality Diploma Development Partnership (DDP) continues its work to support the rollout of the qualification. The first cohort of learners begin studying the Diploma in September. We have 86 consortia delivering the Hospitality Diploma in September 2009 and in September 2010 there will be 125 consortia in total. Consortia wishing to deliver the Diploma in September 2011 will be preparing their application which will be made this autumn.
We are very proud of our employers who are completely behind this new qualification. Not a day goes by when I don't have an email or voicemail asking me to connect the employer with local consortia.
This is precisely the time to step up a gear. Our focus for the next few months is to ensure we:
- provide the specialist learning qualifications to offer progression routes that will enable learners to enter employment in a range of sub-sectors and a variety of hospitality roles
- develop credible practical cookery qualifications for 2010
- have information, advice and guidance collateral. We are producing a DVD aimed at learners and their parents and carers to highlight hospitality and the employment opportunities that exist in the sector. This development is a direct result of consulting with consortia who requested this.
- raise awareness of the Diploma in Hospitality to learners through a series of events in schools across the country
We always welcome input and support from all our stakeholders, so contact me if you have an interest in any of the above.
I hope you all get a chance to take some time out to relax and unwind over the next few weeks and I look forward to working with many of you over the next few months.
Heather Taylor
1st August 2009
Heather Taylor, Hospitality Diploma Development Manager