Geoffrey Harrison to chair new Hospitality Diploma

Thursday 17 September 2009

We are delighted to announce that People 1st has appointed Geoffrey Harrison, managing director of Harrison Catering Services, as chair of its steering group for the new Diploma in Hospitality. Geoffrey will lead the group in supporting schools, colleges, employers and other agencies in delivery of the Diploma, which is launched this September. People 1^st is the sector skills council for the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industries whose aim is to ensure the development of world class qualifications in management and leadership, customer service and craft skills, and enable public funds to be shifted to programmes that are needed and respected by industry.

Geoffrey commented: "The catering industry serves a broad spectrum of customers who, due to the rapid growth in interest in food and cooking, have never been more discerning. Therefore, a highly trained workforce is key to maximising our potential in this area and, most critically, encouraging the next generation to consider catering as a career. The Diploma in Hospitality provides an excellent, dynamic learning vehicle for young people, as well as opening their eyes to the wealth of career opportunities that are available to them in hospitality. My aim is for Diploma students to see hospitality as their career of choice."

The Diploma combines theory with practical learning for 14 to 19 year-olds, to ensure that learners gain the skills, knowledge, and experience that hospitality businesses really need.

Heather Taylor, Hospitality Diploma manager for People 1st, said: "I am delighted that Geoffrey has agreed to chair the Diploma steering group. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and industry experience and is committed to ensuring that the vision and intent of the Diploma is followed through to the learners' experience."

For more information on People 1^st or the Diploma in Hospitality, visit www.people1st.co.uk

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