5th November 2008

Million Pound Investment for Scottish Hospitality Leaders

Applications are now open for the 2009 Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland Emerging Talent Scholarships. This year, the charity is offering up to 200 scholarships. Combined they represent an estimated million pound investment in developing future industry leaders.

The scholarships are open to anyone working in Scotland's hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industries. The programme aims to improve aspirations and broaden horizons by placing scholars on world-class fully funded training and work placements.

Applicants have the opportunity to attend courses at Cornell University, the Disney Institute in Florida and the Lausanne Hotel School in Switzerland. Work placements are with leading chefs and hoteliers in the UK and abroad, including at the six star Jumeirah Group in Dubai.

Places are awarded to people seeking to make a significant difference to the perception of Scottish Hospitality and bring fresh thinking to Scotland.

David Cochrane, chief executive of HIT Scotland, said, “Over the last 10 years the hospitality industry has helped over 8000 young people develop their careers through bursaries and scholarships. Being able to offer a million pounds of scholarship funding is a serious commitment from our sponsors and supporters to improving standards and ultimately helping grow the value of the industry."

HIT Scotland funds the scholarship programme through fundraising events, corporate backing and external funding sources. Part-sponsored scholarships are available for companies wanting to invest in one of their own future leaders.

For more information on Emerging Talent Scholarships or to apply visit www.hitscotland.org. Applications by Sunday 30th November.