“For the last 18 months, the JHA has taken some massive steps regarding education. This sis working with partners such as Highlands College and Skills Jersey to research and develop all areas of training and education within our industry.
My role sees me going from developing courses for those in managerial positions, to spending time in schools explaining the breadth of our industry to young minds.
Its clear the perception and reality of our industry on this island, with regards to careers, are two very different concepts. The varying roles, remuneration, and speed of advancement is very often either unknown completely or very misunderstood in its truth.
The benefit of the work we are doing is already being reflected with a lot of interest being fed back to find out more about the industry and career paths available. The hardest part for me isn’t about getting the kids on board, it explaining to the parents that we are not a low skill, low value industry.
Now, more than ever, there is the need to encourage islanders to fulfil roles in local businesses with entitled or entitled for work staff as the government tightens avenues for bringing in external resources to aid our industries. For hospitality this changes a process that has been a long-standing part of island life. 50 years ago, 80% of our hotel staff were nonlocal. Today that figure is about 50% less than this, yet we still find pressure upon us to reducer this further.
The opportunities within this industry are endless and it can provide you with a lifestyle and set of experiences that few other industries can rival. If all the opportunities are presented properly to you, you’d see what an incredible life you could lead with the assistance of hospitality.
I’ll follow up next week with my career to date and how fortunate I feel to have spent 18 years working in this field.”
Simon Soar, CEO
