Missenden Abbey International Hotel and Hospitality School opens its doors for industry launch event
Missenden Abbey International Hotel and Hospitality School hosted a formal launch event on the 21 September, ahead of welcoming its first cohort of students.
Held at the historic Missenden Abbey Hotel, the launch event brought together more than 50 industry experts, academics and well-established professionals from the field of hospitality and related areas such as recruitment, events and higher education.
Lisa Wyld, Head of Missenden Abbey International Hotel and Hospitality School, led a panel discussion with the theme: Bridging the Gap: Education as the Catalyst for Addressing the Skills Shortage in the Hospitality Industry. The panel included: Dawn Lawrence, the founder of HJUK (Hospitality Jobs UK); Sarah Powell, HR Director for Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and Johnna Wimmer. Panel members addressed key issues faced by the hospitality industry, particularly with reference to staff recruitment and retention, skills shortages, and the need for higher education providers to ensure that programmes are designed and delivered in line with latest technological innovations and industry expectations.
In discussion, Dawn Lawrence said: “It is important for students to have a deep understanding of different career pathways and opportunities for career progression and development that are available in our industry,”
Sarah Powell added: “The education sector plays an integral role in building up students’ confidence and passion for hospitality, and it also needs to keep up with the fast-paced developments and advancements of the industry.”
Johna Wimmer reiterated the sentiment: “Attracting and retaining talent is one of the greatest challenges of our industry. Students having the opportunity to undertake placements and work experience during their studies makes a huge difference for their career prospects. Universities should support students in developing problem-solving skills, their ability to work in teams, build relationships and interact with people from different walks of life.”
With focus on a research-informed, industry-centric, and experiential teaching and learning approach, Missenden Abbey International Hotel and Hospitality School is already becoming established as a leading force within the UK and international Hospitality Higher Education sector.
This September sees the first cohort of students embark on the specially designed BA (Hons) Hotel Management, BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management and MSc Hospitality Leadership programmes. The launch event celebrates the wealth of industry knowledge and experience that has led to the inception of these courses, and the collaboration that will provide students with the experience they need to thrive.
Lisa Wyld, Head of Missenden Abbey International Hotel and Hospitality School said: “I am delighted to see so many industry professionals joining us for this important stepping-stone for our school. Industry partnership and engagement is at the core of our School’s philosophy, and I am confident that we can all work together towards bridging the gap between the higher education and the hospitality industry. I would like to thank all participants for taking the time to share their valuable insights and expertise.”
Professor Damien Page, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Buckinghamshire New University said: “It is not often that you get to launch a new school, especially one with a hotel. We believe in research informed teaching and developing a curriculum that is informed by industry. We believe in bringing together what is best in our students, our staff, and our wider community.”