Education charity Inspire Suffolk, which supports local young people onto a positive future, is partnering with hotel group TA Hotel Collection and facilities management company Vertas to provide hospitality training and job opportunities.

Inspire Suffolk’s two-week Step Up programme, funded by the New Anglia LEP, aims to provide young people aged 16-24 with the opportunity to gain industry-related training and qualifications as a stepping stone into employment.

TA Hotel Collection are hoping to offer those who complete the course roles at one of their prestigious Suffolk coastal hotels, such as The Crown in Woodbridge and The White Lion in Aldeburgh.

The course includes interview skills, CV building, relevant job training, supported work experience at one of Vertas’ catering locations and Food Hygiene qualifications.

Inspire Suffolk’s chief executive Terry Baxter said: “We are delighted to be partnering with TA Hotel Collection and Vertas on such a beneficial project, supporting and believing in the potential of local young people.

“Our Step Up courses are a brilliant way to bridge the skills gap and our partnership with local companies through the courses are a great example of ‘local supporting local’ and we thank them both very much.”

TA Hotel Collection’s managing director Peter Osborne added; “We are committed to making a difference for young people and helping to educate the next generation of hospitality industry professionals.

“We look forward to welcoming the students at our hotels where they can experience a real customer focused environment and put their learning into context.”

Inspire Suffolk has previously run Step Up courses in Health & Social Care, Construction, Hospitality, Retail and Sport with many more to launch in sectors where upskilling is needed. This has allowed young people to gain qualifications and training they require to get onto their desired career path, including CSCS card training and Health & Safety qualifications.