UK not-for-profit organisation Hospitality Connect has received £200k from the Savoy Educational Trust to expand its reach across the UK. The funding will boost awareness among the next generation about the diverse, exciting and rewarding opportunities within the hospitality industry.
Founded in 2021 by Hotelier of the Year (2022-2023) Adrian Ellis MI, Hospitality Connect inspires school students while informing their teachers and parents about the breadth of career opportunities in hospitality to strengthen the talent pipeline entering the sector.
Hospitality Connect partners secondary schools directly with local hotels and hospitality businesses, while also collaborating with further education colleges to promote career and post-GCSE pathways into the sector.
The programme has grown from 30 initial partnerships in Manchester to now reaching over 4,000 students through 155 partnerships across 16 cities and regions in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Hospitality Connect aims to extend school partnerships to 400 and engage 10,000 students annually by 2028 by doubling the number of regions in which it operates.
Ellis said: “We would like to thank Savoy Educational Trust for their generous contribution and continued support of our mission. Their support fuels our passion to shine a light on one of the UK’s most dynamic and diverse sectors, hospitality, the country’s third largest employer. At Hospitality Connect, we are not just opening doors, we’re transforming mindsets.”
Angela Maher, chief executive at Savoy Educational Trust, said: “Our trustees are delighted to continue their support for Hospitality Connect having seen the impact the project is having in encouraging more young people to consider a career or further study in hospitality. We are looking forward to seeing the programme expand over the coming three years, enabling many more school pupils learn about the wonderful opportunities available in our industry and creating a much needed talent pipeline for the sector.”
