The first intake of students at the Know Hospitality Academy in Liverpool are nearing the end of their programme and heading towards graduation.

The group of six young people, aged between 16 and 18, began their 10 weeks training in early August and will complete the programme in October which will be marked with a graduation ceremony.

Know Hospitality Academy is based at the Grade II Listed Richmond Hotel Liverpool on Hatton Garden, and it is from here that students study and learn all aspects of hospitality from within a working hotel environment.

Know Hospitality is working in partnership with leading hospitality and national training provider Kaplan Skills and Employment to manage and deliver the new internships. The aim of the academy is to grow and develop skills in the hospitality industry amongst young people who are keen to begin a career in this thriving sector.

Liverpool City Region’s Visitor Economy now supports over 49,000 jobs and generates income in excess of £3.8billion – of which hospitality plays a vital role.

Students have spent the first two weeks in the classroom studying food hygiene, functional skills in English and Maths, additional work-based skills such as improving communications skills; producing a CV; and taking part in mock interviews. They are now gaining valuable skills and experience working as part of a team in various departments across the hotel, including reception, housekeeping, kitchen, food and beverage and sales, which will provide them with first-hand work-based experience and prepare them for a future in the industry.

A graduation ceremony will take place at The Richmond Hotel Liverpool on Thursday, 8th October. Industry leaders and special guests will join the students and their families to celebrate their achievements with a special dinner. The successful interns will also receive a £100 voucher to be used towards new workwear as they continue on their new work journey with an apprenticeship.

The next group of interns are scheduled to start on 28th September, and limited places are available for young people who would like to gain hospitality experience.

This is what the first intake of Know Hospitality Academy students have to say so far:

“The Richmond has given me the opportunity to work and learn in an industry that suits my personality” – Ben Lavelle

“I’d encourage other young people to really take an opportunity like this when it comes along. I thought I was never going to get anywhere until this opportunity was given to me” – Warren Kilcourse

“My experience working in the hotel is great. I’m loving working in reception and have I’ve learned a lot. My mentor has been really supportive with a warm welcome. It’s a great experience” – Asa Jones

“I felt like I wasn’t doing anything until I started my internship at The Richmond. Now I feel motivated and ready for work” – Zola Price

“I am so grateful for the opportunity I have been given” – Sophay Ledwich

The progress of the students has been praised by the Kaplan team, who are delivering the training to all young people who come through the programme.

Danielle Kershaw, National Traineeships Manager for Kaplan, said:

“Having reached the half way point of their internship placement with The Richmond Hotel Liverpool, it is clear to see the progress our learners have made and the growth they have each identified as a result. Our partnership with the Know Hospitality group is a clear demonstration of how innovative collaboration with employers on Skills Funding Agency-funded traineeships is of benefit to all involved, and will ultimately offer the best results for young people seeking the first step in their career.”

Places are limited at the next student intake at the Know Hospitality Academy. Each internship lasts 10 weeks, with students engaging in a 24-hour per week programme. Each student is assigned a dedicated mentor to offer ongoing support. Students are provided with a uniform and expenses will be covered. Gaining a place on the programme does not rely on previous academic qualifications.

Upon graduating, students are encouraged to begin an apprenticeship within an established hospitality business. Young people interested in enrolling at the Know Hospitality Academy should contact James Rimmer at Kaplan for more details. Email James.Rimmer@kaplan.co.uk or telephone 0151 202 0530.

Steven Hesketh is Managing Director of The Richmond Hotel Liverpool, and Treasurer of Liverpool Hoteliers Association. He added:

“It’s been a fantastic start for the Know Hospitality Academy with a small but extremely dedicated group of young people, who are enthusiastic and excited about starting their careers in an ever growing sector here in Liverpool City Region.

“Hospitality is a career which can take people all over the world. And starting that journey in Liverpool, which attracts millions of overseas visitors every year is a perfect fit. Seeing our first group of interns graduate in October will be a very proud moment for everyone involved in the programme.

“Places are limited for the next programme. This is an excellent opportunity to begin what can become a lifelong career. We want to meet tomorrow’s hospitality stars today.”