Dakota Hotel – St Mungo’s Academy Visit
Name of Activity/Project: Careers at the Dakota Hotel
Name of Employer: Dakota Hotel, Glasgow
Industry Sector: Tourism, Food & Drink, Hospitality.
Target Audience: S5 Skills for Work Class: Travel & Tourism SCQF Level 5
Objectives
To raise awareness of career routes, pathways and apprenticeships in the Travel & Tourism Industry in Glasgow linking to the Skills for Work subject.
Case Study
22 pupils from St Mungo’s Academy participated in a visit to the Dakota Hotel in Glasgow. The young people are currently studying the Skills for Work Travel & Tourism subject at school, SCQF Level 5. The aim of the visit was to raise awareness of career routes, pathways and apprenticeships in the Travel & Tourism Industry in Glasgow, linking to the Skills for Work subject.
The visit was hosted by Heather Leggate, People & Culture Manager and Operations Manager Ashley. Heather spoke about how she started working at the hotel 7 years ago as a food & drinks server, she then progressed into supervisory and management roles, while completing her degree in Human Resources Management. Following this Heather was promoted to HR Manager within the Hotel, then to her current role. Heather highlighted the career progression opportunities within the hotel brand.
Heather delivered a short presentation about Dakota Hotels; the pupils heard about how their hotels are all unique, luxurious and home away from home.
Travel & Tourism in Glasgow is a big part of the hotels customer base, with many customers from America and all nationalities’ staying at their as tourists to Glasgow and Scotland, and how the hotel regularly hosts many V.I.Ps, from conferences and popular celebrities; singers playing at the SEC and the OVO Hydro.
The pupils learned about the importance of excellent customer service and the Art of Customer Recognition, Guest Profiling and how this can encourage repeat business, with customers returning again and again by maintaining their loyalty.
The young people took part in a practical session within the restaurant where they learned about the Sequence of Service, how to service customer at the table, carrying drink and hot food using only one hand.
A session was delivered about the variety of job roles in the hotel, including bartender, food and drinks server, housekeeping, receptionist, back office and chef.
The visit concluded with a visit to the chefs in the kitchen with Operation Manger Ashley talking about the job roles, highlighting the importance of team work and communication between the kitchen team; Back of House and the restaurant, Front of House.
All pupils were welcomed back to the hotel anytime to discuss job opportunities and apprenticeships and made aware of the application process.
Results/Outcome
Pupils learned new skills and now have a greater awareness of a local employer, also career and apprenticeship pathways using their SQA subject and qualification in Travel & Tourism. 100% equality outcomes achieved.
Benefits
• Pupils learned new skills and gained confidence which can be used as examples on their CVs, job or college applications.
• Pupils made positive links with a local employer who offers jobs at all levels and modern apprenticeships.
Testimonials
Employer:
“It was our pleasure to host you and students on Tuesday and it is wonderful to hear there was great feedback”. Heather Leggate, People & Culture Manager, Dakota Hotel.
Pupils:
“I learned more about the different job roles I can do and good customer service, to keep the customer coming back”.
“I enjoyed the visit; I liked the practical workshop where we learned about table service and how to carry food and drinks professionally using one hand”.
“It is a good employer to work for who offers training and an interesting place to work”.
