In response to nationwide staff shortages following the coronavirus pandemic, a new campaign will encourage more people to work in the tourism and hospitality industry in Wales.
Thousands of jobs are currently up for grabs in a sector that employs more than 157,000 people across bars, restaurants, pubs and hotels.
Customer demand at Welsh hospitality venues has rocketed as a result of eased Covid-19 restrictions, and as a result of more people choosing domestic holiday destinations this summer.
In response, Visit Wales & Working Wales have issued a call to arms for new workers to join #TheExperienceMakers – a campaign which focuses on highlighting the personal development opportunities, potential career paths, and tangible benefits on offer to people who choose to work in hospitality.
This is a sponsored post, in collaboration with Working Wales.
A career led by passion
#TheExperience Makers campaign sees head chef and owner of Heaney’s, Tommy Heaney, championing the hospitality and tourism industry and sharing an inside perspective into his vibrant career. Tommy explained:
“I started out washing dishes, and because I’m really competitive I wanted to be the best at it. I was watching the other chefs and learning from them, then started doing larger sections – salads and sides – until one day the senior chef didn’t turn up and I got thrown into the deep end. But I absolutely loved it. Working in hospitality, you can go anywhere in the world, and you can find work. And I’ve made some of my best friends in this industry.”
Cardiff born Leyli Homayoonfar is also involved in the campaign; she is the head chef and owner of The Bab Haus, and was recently named one of the 100 most influential women in hospitality in the UK. She said:
“My start in hospitality began in a local Italian restaurant, Stefano’s, when I was 15. I started off as a waitress, but because I wasn’t the best, they moved me into the kitchen. I started off making desserts and just developed a strong desire to work with food. For me, it’s a passion, so every day I get to do what I really enjoy and that’s priceless. You’ve got to be excited about cooking and want to do it for more than a reason that it’s just a job. If you’re passionate it will really show in your cooking.”
Other venues involved in the #Experience Makers campaign include The Celtic Manor, Adventure Parc Snowdonia, Bluestone National Park Resort, Folly Farm, Dylan’s Menai Bridge, The Grove Narberth, The Parkgate Hotel and The Dead Canary Cardiff, whose staff have helped to showcase the skilled, varied and rewarding careers on offer inhospitality and tourism.
As well as essential skills and training opportunities, the campaign also highlights other benefits that working in the sector can offer – including flexible working hours, a chance to meet new people and work as part of a tight-knit team.
Find out more
Individuals looking for work or a change in career are encouraged to visit https://workingwales.gov.wales. For advice on recruitment and work programmes – including apprenticeships – visit businesswales.gov.wales/skillsgateway/.
For further inspiration, check out my Visit Wales Guide to Eating & Drinking in Cardiff.
Images credit: DiscoverDelicious.Wales.
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