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  • Writer's pictureAyrshire Daily News

Hub International Goes from Strength to Strength with the Announcement of Its Latest Training Academies Now Operating in North Ayrshire & Arran

Hub International, a dedicated hospitality training organisation, is delighted to announce that its operations have expanded with its latest academy opening in North Ayrshire next month. This new Training Academy further highlights Hub International’s dedication to supporting the local hospitality industry across the whole of Ayrshire and will include a dedicated training skills hub on the Isle of Arran.


Stephanie Wade, CEO of Hub International, commented, “The Ayrshire Training Academy has already proven to play a crucial role in attracting new talent to the industry. We have been offering comprehensive training programmes for over six months now, which has resulted in many of our trainees successfully moving into employment across all sectors of the industry.  We are proud to be operating a VIP experience at Troon’s Open Golf Championship Patrons Suite where our local trainees have joined our professional team giving them invaluable paid work at such a prestigious event while elevating their CV’s.”


Hub International’s Hospitality Training Academy has been a driving force in providing industry-specific training to address the challenges faced by the Ayrshire Hospitality & Tourism sector. Ayrshire has one of the highest unemployment rates in Scotland, and despite businesses keen interest in creating a work environment that allows a good work-life balance, they have been struggling to meet staffing demands.


Since the beginning of the year, Hub International’s Hospitality Training Academy has been actively working with trainees across South and East Ayrshire, providing industry-specific training programs. The programs provide trainees with a Taste of Hospitality covering practical sessions in Art of Barista, Mixology, practical Service Skills and Practical Cookery whilst covering workshops on customer service, focusing on the Art of Hospitality.  


Collaborating closely with industry partners has been key to bringing these programs to life, working with businesses like Ayr Racecourse & Western Hotel, RAD group and Buzzworks has allowed Hub international to ensure its participants gain real life insights into the industry and practical work experience.


Kevin MacGillivray, Head of Culinary Projects at Hub International and Chief Executive of the Scottish Federation of Chefs, has been delivering these programs across South and East Ayrshire since the beginning of 2024. Kevin adds, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Hub International. Being a chef all my life, this was a new challenge for me, and I have had the pleasure of helping some amazing people of all ages develop the key skills required to enter the industry. In just a few months, we have supported 70 people across South and East Ayrshire to learn new skills, gain work experience, and secure employment. I am delighted to be rolling this out into North Ayrshire and working with some great employers in this region.”


Malcolm Simpson, Director at SimpsInns added “SimpsInns and Hub International have enjoyed an excellent working partnership working to a common goal, providing hospitality training and people development across Ayrshire. Over the years Stephanie and her team have worked closely with our own management to create and provide on the job training helping develop our amazing young  people. We have also employed a team directly from the many successful programmes and training academies that Hub International provide, and look forward to welcoming more  new talented passionate and trained teams going forward. We are excited to work with all the team at Hub International in their new training  Academy in North Ayrshire.”


The success of the Ayrshire Training Hub relies on collaborative efforts from local industry. Hub International invites businesses to provide support by offering:


  • Work Experience: Provide opportunities for individuals to gain hands-on experience in a real-world hospitality setting.

  • Industry Visits: Open doors for trainees to explore various facets of the hospitality industry through on-site visits.

  • Paid Employment Opportunities: Create entry-level positions to bridge the gap between training and employment.

  • Industry Experience: Share expertise and insights with academy trainees through mentorship programs.


For those interested in contributing to the success of the Ayrshire Training Hub, please get in touch at info@hi-people.org.

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