Hospitality Connect: Inspiring Future Talent through Culinary Excellence – Shawlands Academy

School: Shawlands Academy

Type of activity: Hands-on work inspiration

Name of employer: Clayton Hotels

Case Study

Hospitality Connect is an initiative designed to strengthen career education within schools across the Glasgow City Region. Delivered in collaboration with Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow (DYW), the programme focuses on building meaningful partnerships between schools and the hospitality industry. Its core aim is to provide high-quality, impactful experiences that enhance young people’s understanding of careers within hospitality while challenging outdated perceptions of the sector.

A key objective of Hospitality Connect is to demonstrate that the hospitality industry offers not only jobs, but long-term, fulfilling career pathways. By showcasing the diverse opportunities available within member hotels—from culinary arts to management, events, and customer service—the initiative seeks to inspire young people to consider hospitality as a viable and rewarding career choice.

Additionally, the programme aims to nurture a strong talent pipeline by connecting students with further education institutions such as City of Glasgow College and Glasgow Caledonian University, encouraging progression into training and higher education routes.

One recent example of this initiative in action is the Culinary Excellence Programme delivered in partnership with Shawland’s Academy and the Clayton Hotel in Glasgow. Over a six-week period, S5 and S6 pupils participated in a structured, hands-on learning experience designed to develop practical culinary skills, industry knowledge, and confidence in a professional kitchen environment.

Throughout the programme, students worked closely with experienced chefs and hospitality professionals from the Clayton Hotel. They were introduced to essential culinary techniques, food preparation skills, and the importance of teamwork, communication, and time management within a fast-paced hospitality setting. This real-world exposure allowed pupils to gain valuable insights into the demands and rewards of working in the industry, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and employment.

A significant aspect of the programme was its focus on building confidence and raising aspirations. Many students began the course with limited knowledge of hospitality careers, but through regular interaction with industry professionals, they developed a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them. The experience also helped to challenge misconceptions about the sector, highlighting progression routes and the potential for career growth.

To mark the conclusion of the Culinary Excellence Programme, a celebratory event was hosted at the Clayton Hotel. This event provided students with the opportunity to showcase the skills they had developed over the six weeks. Pupils prepared and presented dishes for invited guests, demonstrating not only their technical abilities but also their professionalism and creativity. The event served as both a celebration of achievement and a platform for students to gain recognition for their hard work.

Feedback from participants, teachers, and industry partners was overwhelmingly positive. Teachers highlighted the value of experiential learning in motivating pupils and enhancing their career awareness. Meanwhile, the Clayton Hotel staff noted the enthusiasm and potential displayed by the students, reinforcing the importance of investing in future talent.

The success of this programme demonstrates the impact that strong school-industry partnerships can have on young people’s career development. By providing meaningful, hands-on experiences and direct engagement with professionals, Hospitality Connect is helping to shape a more informed, motivated, and skilled future workforce.

In conclusion, the Culinary Excellence Programme at Shawland’s Academy exemplifies how targeted collaboration between education and industry can deliver significant benefits for students, schools, and employers alike. Through initiatives like Hospitality Connect, young people are empowered to explore new opportunities, develop valuable skills, and envision successful careers within the hospitality sector.

Objectives:

• To give pupils real front of house experience to increase their understanding of how the industry works and the importance of person etiquette.

• To build confidence in a professional setting and develop inter-personal skills and independence.

• In the kitchen experience working with a professional chef and team to plan and execute a menu serving to guests.

Results/Outcomes:

• Pupils have developed confidence in a new and different environment building on communication skills as well as practical skills within the industry.
• Working with professionals in industry pupils has learned the impact of making a good impression.

Testimonials:

Teacher: “We have an EAL pupil who has only been learning English for 1 year go into a professional kitchen and thrive. Another pupil with ASD coped with the transition to a new environment and grew in confidence over the weeks.”