Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson, has made a trip to Minehead to visit Foxes Hotel, location of the recent Channel 5 documentary, The Special Needs Hotel.
As a big fan of the show, Justin was especially impressed with Foxes high employment figures for graduates, and he was delighted to meet many of the students and tour the hotel.
The visit also coincided with a Disability Confident event which marked the announcement of a partnership between Foxes and hotelier Hilton Worldwide. The aim of this partnership will be to link up Foxes graduates to create learning and employment opportunities for young adults with learning disabilities. Hilton Worldwide is involved in this pilot programme to offer several of Foxes Academy’s 15 graduates tailored learning and employment opportunities at one of their owned, managed and leased UK hotels, providing each individual with the skills and experience they need to flourish in the hospitality industry.
Over 70 regional employers attended the Disability Confident event which was sponsored by EDF Energy, who spoke about their highly successful disability employment programme ‘Steps into Work’, developed in collaboration with National Star College to provide young adults with a disability the opportunity to gain real work experience.
Foxes Academy’s learners shared their aspirations for life and work after graduation, with former learners Charlie Riley and Olivia Watkins speaking about their roles. Charlie is an Apprentice Commis Chef at the Castle Hotel in Taunton, with Olivia enjoying two jobs as a Kitchen Assistant at the University of West of England and Catering Assistant at a primary school.
Foxes own choir entertained the delegates during breaks and the food was of course prepared and served by the students.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “I was absolutely thrilled to see the high success rate, 80 per cent of students’ progress to employment from here which is frankly staggering and a real credit to the sort of training they provide, as well as the pro-active engagement with local employers.”
Simon Vincent, EVP and President, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide said “We are proud to be working with Foxes Academy to create opportunities for their students within our dynamic industry. Our team members are at the heart of our business and we look forward to welcoming the students and giving them the skills and support they need to fulfil their potential and enjoy a long and rewarding career.”
Tracey Clare-Gray, Principal, Foxes Academy said “People with a learning disability are more excluded from the workplace than any other group of disabled people. Vocational training in Foxes Hotel supported with a work experience placement is a direct step to employment. We are delighted to announce our partnership with Hilton Worldwide as developing routes to national employment for disabled young people is central to preparing them for a successful future.”
