Hospitality Connect: Inspiring the Next Generation of Talent in Edinburgh, Midlothian & East Lothian

At Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian, we are proud to be continuing our innovative Hospitality Connect programme – a project that brings together schools and hotels to inspire young people, connect curriculum learning to real-world experiences, and showcase the wide range of exciting careers available within the hospitality industry. 

​​What Is Hospitality Connect? 
Hospitality Connect is a collaborative initiative between DYW and the Edinburgh Hotels Association. The programme is designed to build meaningful, long-term partnerships between schools and hotels across Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian, bringing careers education to life through real-world insight, hands-on experiences, and sustained engagement. With the support of passionate hospitality professionals, the programme helps young people better understand the diverse roles in the sector and encourages them to consider hospitality as a viable and rewarding career path. 

A Year of Impact: Case Studies from Across the Region 
In 2024–25, several schools and hotel partners piloted the programme to great success: 

• Craigmount High School & Moxy/Hampton by Hilton 

Students across year groups participated in hotel tours, career conversations, and hands-on experiences such as pizza and waffle making. A business breakfast and evening careers fair helped connect families to the sector too. Teachers noted that students gained a deeper understanding of how their studies connected to real-world jobs, boosting both confidence and aspiration. 

• St Thomas of Aquin’s RC High School & Leonardo Royal Hotel 
  Hospitality and Tourism pupils experienced everything from bed-making competitions to mocktail making and customer service exercises. A series of employability sessions on CV writing and interview skills further enriched their understanding of the industry – and several students with no prior interest in hospitality left seriously considering a future in it. 

• Portobello High School & Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa 
  Through six different activities, including a hotel takeover day, mock interviews, and a sustainability-focused speed networking session, pupils not only met course outcomes but also developed real insight into the varied and modern careers within hospitality. Teacher feedback highlighted just how engaged students were, with many saying it was the most engaged they’d ever seen them.​​

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“Hospitality Connect is a fantastic opportunity for schools to work with hotels and embed skills for learning, life and work within the curriculum. It allowed the young people to learn more about the hospitality industry, exploring the different roles, getting them thinking about potential career options.”  - Teacher, Craigmount High School ​

Looking Ahead: 2025–26 
Building on this momentum, the Hospitality Connect programme is expanding into its second wave for the 2025–26 academic year. The programme kicks off with induction training for new Hospitality Connect Ambassadors, preparing hotel partners with the tools and knowledge to engage with schools meaningfully and inclusively. 

A launch event in June will bring together all schools and hotel partners, officially pairing them up and beginning the planning for the year ahead. Each partnership will commit to delivering at least six activities (three in school, three on-site), designed to connect classroom learning to real-life work in the hospitality industry. Teachers, parents, and carers will also be invited to participate, helping to change perceptions and improve the visibility of careers in hospitality. 

Some of the new hotel partners include The Caledonian, The Scotsman, W Hotel, Ibis, Royal Terrace, Leonardo Haymarket and more – all ready to share their expertise and open their doors to the workforce of tomorrow. 

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A Shared Commitment to Youth and Industry 
DYW is incredibly grateful to all the hotel partners, educators, and supporters who make this programme possible. Hospitality Connect isn’t just about careers – it’s about confidence, creativity, and connection. And it's about ensuring that every young person, regardless of background, has access to the kinds of meaningful activities that can shape their future. ​

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