Organisers of this year’s Destination Management Board Tourism Awards have welcomed a new main sponsor.
Youth Mobility Scheme Working Holiday was already a category sponsor for what’s been billed as the biggest – and best – awards for BCP’s hospitality and tourism sector.
But now it’s been confirmed as main sponsor after Yellow Buses, the previous main sponsor, ceased trading.
Tim Seward, Lead Delivery of the awards, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Youth Mobility Scheme Working Holiday on board.”
Michele Medhurst, pictured left, Youth Mobility Scheme Working Holiday Project Co-ordinator, said: “Becoming the main sponsor enables us to promote the IEA/BAHA Youth Mobility Scheme Working Holiday to the hospitality sector and to the local community.
“It also allows us to celebrate the contribution that the sector makes, along with the international education sector, to the local economy each year.
“And it will assist in continuing to put Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole firmly on the world map by connecting YMS Working Holiday candidates with opportunities to live, learn and work, here on the beautiful South Coast of England.”
The International Education Association/Bournemouth Area Hotels Association Youth Mobility Scheme Working Holiday project offers an opportunity for people aged 18 to 30 years of age from 11 participating countries to live, work and/or study in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The 11 countries are Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, San Marino, Monaco, India and Iceland.
With a shortage of hospitality workers in the BCP area, the project allows BAHA to attract people with a Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa to work in the hospitality sector for up to two years.
It also enables the successful YMS visa applicant to access and participate in hospitality training.
A certificate is awarded upon completion of training in each department, which goes towards their hospitality portfolio.
Before their arrival, all candidates are given a free English language test.
If they have an intermediate level of English, or above, they go straight into employment in the hospitality sector.
If their level of English is below intermediate, then they are able to develop their English language skills in an IEA accredited school in the BCP area at their own cost.
There is also the opportunity for successful applicants to take a free short course upon their arrival, designed to help orientate them into British working life.
The semi-finals of this year’s Destination Management Board Tourism Awards will be held at Hoburne Christchurch on September 13 with the finals at the Pavilion Ballroom in Bournemouth on November 10.
Dorset Biz News is proud to be the Media Partner for this year’s event.
