YOUNG jobseekers were given a taste of working life with a special, behind-the-scenes trip to one of Tyneside’s top leisure venues.
The seven-strong group, aged between 16 and 25, were given an access all areas trip to Osbornes, Scalini’s and the New Northumbria Hotel, Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle, as part of an initiative aimed at boosting their employment prospects.
During their visit they were given tours of the busy hotel reception and had the opportunity to grill Scalini’s head chef Rufus France about his 17-year career in the catering industry.
Kirsty Lane, assistant manager at Osbornes, then gave them a short talk before taking them down to the cellars so they could track the progress of pints from the barrel to the glass.
The young people are taking part in a Barclay’s Premier League Workshop programme, managed by the NUFC Foundation.
The 15 week initiative is aimed at helping them to become work ready, return to education, access training or gain meaningful employment.
Among the group was 20-year-old Samantha Trotter, from Gateshead, whose involvement with the course has already led her to obtain work in the hospitality industry.
“Through the support of Newcastle United Foundation and local businesses, such as The Malhotra Group plc, I have had great opportunities to learn more about different sectors,” she said.
“This visit has given me a real incentive to continue to work hard to progress in my new job and has reinforced that I would really like my long term career to be in this industry.
“It’s been great to see how the businesses operate and to hear all about the different jobs that are available in hospitality.”
The visit was the brainchild of Atul Malhotra, director of Newcastle-based Malhotra Group plc and a board member of Newcastle United Foundation.
“It’s always nice to give young people, who are keen to work hard, the chance to explore a sector and find out, from the horse’s mouth, what it’s like to work in,” he said.
“Our company has a long established tradition of giving young people a chance. We frequently take on apprentices, with the intention of giving them the training and skills they need to be able to ultimately join our workforce.”
Amy Sill, Business Engagement Coordinator at NUFC Foundation, said: “We are really grateful to the Malhotra Group for supporting Barclays Premier League Works.
“This visit has been invaluable to the course as it gave our participants an insight into a live working environment and the opportunity to find out what steps they should take to get in to the industry.”