The Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland, is celebrating the successful completion of 414 scholarships in the last 12 months, as applications open once again for the 2025 programme.
Established in 1994, HIT Scotland’s extensive scholarship programme offers aspiring hospitality professionals in Scotland the opportunity to develop key skills, knowledge and practical experience to advance their careers.
Last year’s intake saw 414 recipients accept scholarships covering a wide range of topics including ‘Patisserie Chef Skills, ‘Spa Success’, ‘Sales’ and ‘The Art of Leadership’. Among the most popular programmes were ‘People Management – Supervisory’ with 76 scholarships offered, ‘Understanding Revenue’ at 56 and ‘People Management – Management’, with a total of 34 scholarships provided.
99% of the 2023 scholars rated the experience as highly positive, demonstrating the high quality of HIT Scotland’s programme. 92% believed the scholarship would enhance their career, while 96% claimed the experience would benefit their business. Such feedback speaks to the professional gains to be made from undertaking one of these scholarships, and the wider benefits for Scotland’s hospitality industry.
One such scholar was Lucy Jeffrey, Group & Events Planning Manager of Edinburgh’s Radisson Blu Hotel. With over 20 years of industry experience, Lucy applied for HIT Scotland’s ‘Art of Leadership’ scholarship to advance her skills and confidence in successfully managing a large team.
The scholarship saw Lucy spend two days in the world-renowned EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Here she, alongside 15 other scholarship recipients, participated in an interactive programme, covering topics such as service leadership, communication style, and the difference between managers and leaders.
The scholars gained real-life practice, with multiple opportunities to give and receive feedback, and the task of delivering a presentation to the rest of the group.
Lucy Jeffreys commented on her experience: “The HIT Scotland course was really eye-opening. Spending time with other hospitality managers and learning from some of the best in the industry really broadened my view of different leadership styles and encouraged me to question my own.
“It was a privilege to be accepted onto the HIT Scholarship programme, and a truly incredible experience that has added to my career. If there is anyone else debating whether to apply for one of HIT Scotland’s scholarships, I would 100% recommend doing so!”
David Cochrane, MBE, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, commented: “HIT Scotland’s scholarships have helped thousands of people establish successful, fulfilling careers in Scotland’s hospitality industry.
“Nowhere is this more evident in the resoundingly positive feedback we receive from scholars each year, who have gained so much professionally and personally from the experience.
“It’s not just the individual who has something to gain. 94% of scholars claim the experience helped them in their current role, highlighting the benefits to employers.
“This is why we are encouraging Scottish hospitality businesses to support their staff in signing up for a scholarship, and of course – if you are working toward a career in the hospitality industry – or know someone who is – we invite you to apply through the website this September!”
Applications for the next round of HIT Scotland scholarships open on 18 September 2024. More details about how to apply can be found here.
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