'First Dates' star launches project to promote hospitality careers

Celebrity Maitre D Fred Sirieix – best known for his role in Channel 4’s First Dates – has teamed up with industry organisations to launch a project aiming to attract more young people into choosing a career in the hotel sector.

The ‘My Hospitality World’ initiative is spearheaded by the Institute of Hospitality and London South East Colleges and has support from the college’s extensive employer forum.

The campaign has also secured the support of a number of businesses, including Aqua Restaurant Group, D&D London, Malmaison London, Park Plaza London Riverbank, Royal Lancaster London and Intercontinental London O2.

As part of the campaign, a number of hospitality businesses across London opened their doors to the public in August, as part of plans to offering a range of ‘backstage’ tours, presentations and job shadowing opportunities – to demonstrate what’s on offer and spot future talent.

"My message to young people would be to 'come join the world of hospitality, explore new horizons and a career that will give you the skills and knowledge to enable you to work around the world',” Fred Sirieix said.

Peter Ducker, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality, added: “We want to encourage and support people to embark on a career path in this exciting industry and the ‘My Hospitality World’ initiative will help us to achieve this.

“What better way to celebrate and showcase an industry than the employers themselves opening up their doors and inviting future employees to see what’s on offer.

"We're confident that we will successfully inspire the next generation of chefs, hotel managers and restaurant owners – ensuring a bright future for the nation’s hospitality industry.”