28th May 2010 - 00:00
Abstract
Nine out of 10 participants on the Women 1st training and mentoring programme, an initiative developed by sector skills council People 1st, have improved their skills and confidence in the workplace, according to new research conducted by the UK Commission for Employment Skills.
The majority of women who participated in the programme said that they now have the confidence and training to aim for senior positions in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industries (HLTT), which will help to address the gender gap that exists in these sectors.
Other figures found that whilst nearly 60% of the workforce in the sector is female, women only make up 6% of senior board and director level positions. Women were held back from taking more senior roles due to a number of reasons that included a lack of mentoring, role models and training opportunities.
Sharon Glancy, business solutions director at People 1st and the champion of the Women 1st initiative, commented: "The national average for women holding senior board level positions is 12%, which demonstrates that the glass ceiling spreads right across UK plc. "It is imperative that we address this gender gap for women working right across the country – whether in hospitality or not – so they too like their male colleagues, can achieve their career aspirations."
Neha Gupta-Balaji, HR manager at Victory Services Club (VSC) who spoke at the Women 1st event, added: "The programme from Women 1st has been one of the best training programmes I have ever been on. The range of skills the course taught me has been invaluable. "The VSC has always placed emphasis on ensuring that all staff receive the best possible training. It is this level of dedication that has helped us to secure a number of awards demonstrating that we are one of the best places to work in the hospitality sector."
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