Tourism & Hospitality Vocational Training Academy of Wales Study

Project Description:

This project is for a Feasibility Study, Business Plan & Operational Plan and will outline a network of industry-led training academies for, and run by, the tourism industry. Stage 1 is a Pilot Academy in Pembrokeshire which will create the template for a national roll-out. National and international networking will be key, and will enable student mobility, sharing of knowledge & best practice, a global employment pool and international recognition for Wales. The academies are designed to be a vocational rather than academic route to a career. Not everyone is built for a formal school environment and would be better suited to the work based learning framework. Those that do attend college need to spend extra time in a vocational learning environment to equip them for the working world. These practical skills are essential to the tourism industry and currently are not adequately provided for by the existing training and education provision.

Project Outcomes:

The first stages of the project was achieved and successful with a detailed report produced outlining how the academy can be delivered. The team continue to explore ideas with a long term plan to establish the academy using an innovative training model.

Miller Research was appointed by Bluestone Resorts Ltd to outline the context and vision for a new tourism and hospitality training academy in West Wales. ‘’This report has demonstrated a continuing trend in tourism towards more experiences, a search for authenticity and desire for a distinct backstory amongst visitors. Hence there is an opportunity to develop a tourism academy which reflects this; offering a range of bespoke courses and modules which meet the needs of key groups of employees, new entrants and entrepreneurs and, critically, the needs of employers in the region’’. (Miller Research, June 2019).

Lessons Learned:

The project tells us that their original timescale may have been too ambitious and the committee may have been too large which led to challenges in decision making. 

‘’ Whilst we believe there is a case for the development of an iconic tourism academy building to both deliver on the identified needs and to provide a focus for the industry in the region, it is vital that the form, ownership and location of this are agreed through further consultation across the sector and with partners’’.

Contact Details:

https://www.bluestonewales.com/

Links:

Bluestone National Park Report Final Phase 1 Report

Click HERE to view

Bluestone National Park Report Final Phase 2 Report

Click HERE to view

Bluestone National Park Final Summary Report

Click HERE to view

Arwain Sir Benfro and the LEADER Programme concluded in December 2021 once all projects were completed and funding exhausted. There is now no dedicated support upon the completion of the LEADER Programme in Pembrokeshire. Should you have any queries, PLANED as the previous administrators, may be able to assist, or similarly for wider questions on the LEADER Programme in Wales, please contact the Wales European Funding Office (WEFO).