The project aligns closely with national, regional and local priorities, including:
• The Tay Cities Economic Strategy (2019–2039) and local council plans
• Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation
• Tourism Strategy: Outlook 2030
• Fair Work principles and tackling inequality
The Hospitality Skills Project will:
• Address skills shortages by developing clear career pathways and delivering high-quality, accredited training
• Ensure training meets real business needs through strong employer partnerships and co-designed curriculum
• Broaden access to hospitality careers by supporting underrepresented groups, including women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and those from SIMD20 areas
The project will deliver a coordinated programme of activity across the region, including:
• Establishing a Regional Hospitality Leadership Group and Employers Forum
• Mapping existing provision and creating a unified regional skills pathway
• Delivering training at all levels, from entry-level to advanced and leadership programmes
• Working with schools to promote hospitality careers and early engagement
• Supporting employer-led training and upskilling initiatives
• Introducing a flexible, resource-light grant scheme for training providers
• Developing online tools to improve signposting, skills matching and access to opportunities
By the end of the programme, the project aims to achieve:
• 1,200 individuals supported through training, including at least 120 people entering or remaining in employment
• 250 hospitality businesses supported to improve recruitment, retention and workforce skills
• Engagement with 10 or more delivery partners across education, training and industry
• Inclusive participation, with targets of 50% female participants, 4% from minority ethnic backgrounds and 10% disabled learners
The project will be delivered as a regional intervention, bringing together employers, education providers and training partners through a holistic, multi-strand model. This approach was identified as offering the greatest impact and best value for money.
Key risks will be actively managed through:
• Proactive marketing and employer engagement to maintain demand
• Early recruitment and use of established delivery frameworks to minimise delays
• Close alignment with national and regional programmes to avoid duplication
The Hospitality Skills Project will strengthen the regional talent pipeline, improve productivity and inclusivity, and supports Scotland’s tourism economy and cultural assets. By investing in people and partnerships, the project will help secure a sustainable and skilled workforce for the future.