As students receive their all-important GCSE results this week, Cumbria Tourism is highlighting the long-term career opportunities available for this year’s crop of school-leavers in tourism and hospitality.

Cumbria’s official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) says it’s vital to alter

outdated perceptions of roles in the tourism industry - to inspire both GCSE students and those young people who found out their A-level results last Thursday.

The COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit and county’s super-aging population continue to impact on the availability of staff, as many tourism operators look to recruit from a shrinking pool of applicants.

However, employers across the visitor economy are investing more and more in staff development, providing plenty of opportunities for young people to train on the job, gain industry experience and over time, to progress into senior positions.

Sector-specific qualifications like the University of Cumbria’s Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship also offer the chance to balance life, work, and study.

Sales Office Manager at Kendal’s Caste Green Hotel, Nicola Postlethwaite, started worked as a Sunday Housekeeping Assistant as a teenager.

She later completed a Foundation Degree in Hospitality Management during her career progression at the hotel.

Nicola says, “I think hospitality as a rule has always had a bad reputation, but The Castle Green Hotel, along with other hotels, is making steps towards cutting out split shifts and making sure that our employees have a work life balance.

“I personally absolutely love the industry.

"I think every day is different; you’re dealing with lots of different customers, perhaps with different needs and requirements.

“The comradery in hospitality means we’re such a tight net group.”

She adds, “If you would like to make a career in hospitality, then a hotel is a perfect place to start.

"You might start in a position or role which is hands on, perhaps in our food and beverage department, then progress onto a supervisor or managerial position. All with the right level of dedication and hard work.”

Nicola’s colleague, Abbie Snape has progressed from Food and Beverage Assistant to Reception Manager during her 14-year career at Castle Green, undertaking a BA (Hons) Hospitality Management Degree along the way.

She says, “There are many benefits of working within a hotel environment.

"We’re part of both Best Western and The Legacy Hotel Group, so we get excellent staff benefits and staff discounts at other hotels.

"We also receive discount on gym memberships, plus discounts on food and beverages.

“The shift roles also work really well.

"Receptionist positions work well for those that are wanting to perhaps go away during the week, perhaps enjoy time off mid-week or enjoy finishing early and having evenings to relax.

"It’s even better in the summer months when you can make the most of the weather! I’d definitely recommend working in the tourism industry.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the latest roles in tourism and hospitality can visit: www.visitlakedistrict.com/jobs.

They can also follow @Lakedistrictcumbriajobs on Facebook or visitlakedistrictjobs on Tik Tok.