The University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection has partnered with Gracemount High School to give pupils hands-on hospitality experience through the Hospitality Connect programme.
The initiative aims to reshape perceptions of hospitality careers while providing students with real-world training in a professional hotel environment.
Since launching last November, the partnership has enabled 30 Gracemount students, aged 14 to 16, to explore daily operations at The Scholar, a 4-star hotel run by The University of Edinburgh, through four immersive workshops. Participants gained practical insight into core hospitality functions including housekeeping, reception services, kitchen operations, and food & beverage management.
Hospitality Connect, founded by UK Hospitality, delivers six bespoke career experiences annually, including workshops, employer-led events, and hands-on training. By connecting classroom learning with real-world industry expertise, the programme helps bridge the gap between education and employment, offering students a tangible pathway into hospitality careers.
The programme culminated on Thursday, 27th March, with a special event at the hotel’s restaurant The Brasserie, rebranded by the students as “The Mount” for the day. Students took full control of the lunch service, overseeing everything from menu design and marketing to food preparation and front-of-house service.
This hands-on experience not only contributed to their year-end assessments but also provided them with practical skills and a deeper understanding of the industry – an invaluable stepping stone toward future career opportunities.
Gavin MacLennan, Group General Manager for Operations at the University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection, said: “We have loved opening our operations to support students who have already demonstrated a keen interest in the hospitality sector.
“By providing real-world insights and experiences, we’ve sought to equip them with the practical skills and knowledge required to excel in this field and to demonstrate the career opportunities it brings.”
Morven Langley, Teacher at Gracemount High School, added: “This initiative really brings classroom learning to life.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our students to see the inner workings of a busy Edinburgh hotel, enhancing their learning and preparing them for exciting career opportunities in this growing sector.”
This partnership marks the start of what is hoped to be a long-term collaboration, inspiring the next generation to view hospitality as an exciting and rewarding career choice.
To find out more about the University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection, please visit: