South Devon College leads the way with new hospitality pre-employment course

South Devon College has just guided the first cohort through a new hospitality pre-employment training course – the first provider in the South West to go live with the Government-backed initiative. 

Run in partnership with UK Hospitality, the trade body for hospitality in the UK, Jobcentre Plus and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the 20-day Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) course trains adults in both theory and practical skills alongside employer partners, with the aim of filling workplace gaps in the industry. 

Those who are actively working with job coaches from JobCentre Plus are selected to take part in a variety of training modules, including understanding ingredients and allergens, customer service, problem solving, kitchen hygiene and alcohol awareness. 

They also have CV and interview techniques workshops, alongside workplace wellbeing sessions. 

They undertake a real-world work experience placement with partner businesses, plus a guaranteed interview with a choice of employers who are offering apprenticeship or entry level vacancies. 

Successful participants receive a new Hospitality Skills Passport, an innovative, digital transferable award that demonstrates competence and qualifications. 

“Here in Torbay, South Devon College is leading the way, training jobseekers in real working environments, equipping them with essential hospitality skills, and supporting them with hands-on work experience and a guaranteed interview with local employers,” said Maria Woodger, Assistant Principal at South Devon College. 

Certified by OCN London, an awarding organisation, and accredited by UK Hospitality, the digital passport is transferable across businesses, so can be taken to different employments. 

Launched initially in 26 areas across England, staff at South Devon College were keen to run the programme from the rollout - Torbay was on a priority list as there is such a need for hospitality recruitment in the area. 

The jobseekers had access to local businesses such as TLH Resorts, where they shadowed various staff members and helped set up conference and event facilities, and the Mercure Hotel in Paignton, experiencing a day in the life of front of house and kitchen staff. 

They also had guest speakers from The Lounges and Haven UK, alongside beverage training sessions in the College’s commercial restaurant Horizons.  

Arran Timson, Resourcing Advisor at Haven UK, was impressed with the scheme. He said: “It was a privilege to be invited as guest speakers for South Devon College’s first cohort of the Hospitality SWAP Pre-Employment Programme.  

“I was particularly impressed by the learner’s commitment and enthusiasm, and by how effectively they are preparing to apply their learning in a professional setting.  

“I would like to thank South Devon College for the invitation and wish them all the success in their ongoing partnership in helping individuals build meaningful and rewarding careers.”   

Building on the College’s strong partnership with Kents Cavern, part of the Tudor Hotels group, General Manager James Hull gave a presentation on life in the attraction hospitality sector.  

There was a cross-College collaboration at the Riviera Connect business event, where the SWAP learners networked alongside travel and tourism students to host delegates and visitors.  

The hospitality work experience placements were conducted at various Premier Inn, Brewers Fayre and Beefeater venues around Torbay – kick-starting a mutually beneficial working collaboration between the College and the Whitbread group. 

“The College prides itself on training workforces for various sectors, especially those in demand across Torbay and the local community, and the SWAP initiative is a fantastic opportunity to connect passionate individuals with thriving hospitality businesses in our local area,” continued Mrs Woodger. 

Pat Titley, People Administrator at Haven UK, could see the progress the participants made, saying: “I was really impressed by the group’s pride in what they’ve achieved and the great energy they brought to learning. What stood out the most for me was hearing them talk about teamwork as one of the best things they’ve learned. Something that is crucial in most business but especially hospitality. I wish the cohort every success with their future careers.”  

Student Theodoris Venter was very pleased with the course. “Thank you to the College staff for their hard work- they did an amazing job!”