Video: The importance of lifelong learning
It was very clear from the STA conference, and the new draft strategy revealed at the event, that one of the biggest barriers to the sustainable growth of the tourism sector is the so-called “people puzzle”: how do we get people into the industry (particularly young people) in the first place, and then just as importantly, how do we get them to stay there?
Investing in the workforce has never been more important than it is today, particularly with Brexit just around the corner (in whatever shape or form that takes) which will make an already acute skills shortage even worse.
It’s a complex issue, but one which was tackled head on by a panel at the STA conference called ‘A Human Future – Success Through Our People”. Key areas discussed by the panel members and audience included:
- how do you make tourism and hospitality a ‘plan A’ career choice for young people?
- the need to offer enhanced and planned personal development programmes for workers to improve on and gain new skills
- moves to enhance working conditions to bring in a wider and more diverse workforce, and committed and motivated individuals
With all this in mind, work-based learning was cited as a key tool – and driver of change – to help attract and retain a passionate workforce. The Centre for Work-based Learning (CWBL) recently spoke exclusively to Stephen Leckie, chair of the STA, about the importance of “lifelong learning” for staff, and the vital need for tourism and hospitality employers to invest in staff development.
If you need further advice about work-based learning and your business, get in touch with Skills Development Scotland and/or the CWBL.
