Trekker: Harry Baird of HIT Training

Background of the company HIT Training was founded by a small group of directors who successfully established and developed 'Hospitality Plus', which became the major training provider for the hospitality and leisure industries prior to its sale. Like our trainers and assessors, everyone – and we do mean everyone – has worked in the industry, gaining valuable experience and understanding of what learners and employers need from both perspectives. We really can put you first! HIT has supported over 10,000 learners at over 3,000 employer sites across the country. Our aims are simple: to help employers increase the effectiveness and profitability of their staff, to develop learners' personal, economic and social status and to enhance the level of service given to their customers and clients. This is reflected in the success of our learners and the quantifiable improvements and benefits for their employers. Sum yourself up in one sentence I am a highly organised, well-motivated, challenged and experienced industry county manager, internal verifier and training assessor within the hospitality sector. How did it come about you taking on this kind of challenge? I heard about this opportunity from attending a springboard charity evening and listening to the presentation by Holly. This challenge appealed to me as something I would like to achieve in my life. I have served 24 years in the army and completed many challenges but this is something I have always wanted to do. What does The Springboard Charity mean to you? Springboard is a charity that Hit Training has supported over the years and its needs have been keenly taken on especially getting disadvantaged young people onto training and employment. Springboard does need to broaden its profile from London to help young people from various backgrounds into the hospitality sector. I feel this is springboard's next and possibly hardest challenge. How is your training for The Great Wall going to date? At present I need to up my training plan to meet a stricter guideline. I have started to break in my walking boots prior to the trek. I intend to take in eight mile runs, walks, cycling and use the WII fit programme. How do you feel about going on the trek? Now that the trek is approaching I am starting to get excited and now realise that I need to improve my fitness programme. Have you ever done anything of this sort before? Yes – 10 Tors Walk (Dartmoor) Nijmegen Marches Great North Run x 12 Times Have you had much support, if so who from? Most of my support has come from the following: Directors Management team Suppliers Assessors Tell me about some of the fundraising events you have been doing so far and what you have planned in the future? I have done the following activities: Homemade cake selling Raffle Buzz bingo at meetings What do you hope to get out of this kind of trip? Teamwork, create new friends, enjoy a challenge, sense of achievement in doing something I will never do again. I also want to help others achieve their dreams.