European Social Fund in England

Surrey tourism skills network

Funded by: ESF/LSC co-financed Policy field 4

Region: Government Office South East

Project Start Date: 01/06/2004

Project End Date: 31/12/2006

Details of the Project

A demand led project with representation from employers, training providers and various tourism groups. The project was very slow to start with a severe lack of training and/or tourism activity in the County, which resulted in a poor take-up of courses. There was a lack of awareness of the need for training especially by more experienced operators. However these were the ones with high staff turnover levels and when the relationship was realised between staff training and retention, interest picked up significantly. Initially, several courses had to be cancelled due to insufficient numbers. This was demotivating but due to continued persistence, enthusiasm and a co-ordinated approach, it was turned around. Through representation at tourism sector groups and associations, the project was promoted widely and received very positively. Initially course bookings were gained through a proactive approach of door-knocking and drip-feeding relevant information on training provision. Many operators had only undertaken statutory courses previously and had little awareness of what was available. Having a co-ordinator based in the region is paramount to the success of the project as it enables a trusting relationship to be formed.

Key Achievements

To date, 96 SME's are participating in the project and 351 beneficiaries have been trained. The tourism sector has come alive in Surrey and many new partnerships have been formed. There is now a link with the Surrey Hills team and a successful IT workshop was run together. The key successes are the number of people already trained through the project and being able to signpost to, and broker, other solutions. Already there is a more reactive approach with people now contacting TSE for information. As part of a wider network, the Tourism Skills Network SE, Surrey benefits from sharing best practice with other regional Skills Co-ordinators. The beneficiary targets were achieved with 8 months remaining and it was pleasing to be able to convert funding for NVQs that weren't demanded, to more short course places that were. This was well received by industry as it was based on their feedback. TSE has received letters from beneficiaries to praise the training they have undertaken.

For more information contact

Carrie Tripp

Project co-ordinator

Tel: 07977 481722