Project Description

Event Overview

On Monday, 18th November 2024, DYW Fife hosted the much-anticipated Launch of the Northeast Fife Coastal Alliance (NEFCA) Project at the iconic Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, St Andrews. The day-long event brought together businesses, educators, and young people, successfully showcasing the innovative opportunities within the Hospitality, Leisure, and Tourism (HLT) sectors.

Split into two key segments, the NEFCA Business Breakfast and the Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism Showcase. The event inspired collaboration and dialogue between industry and education, with over 100 attendees benefiting from engaging activities and thought-provoking discussions.

Key Highlights

The morning began with a networking breakfast, where industry leaders, educators, and young people connected. The keynote speaker, David Cochrane MBE (Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland), delivered an inspiring address on bridging the gap between education and industry to nurture the future workforce in Fife.

Other highlights included:

  • Insights from Janine Brown, HR Director at The Old Course Hotel, on fostering workplace innovation.
  • Keynotes from industry leaders David Cochrane MBE (HIT Scotland) & Dean Banks (Haar Restaurant, St Andrews), shared their experience of employing young people, who have brought enthusiasm and creativity to their roles.
  • Testimonies from young people, formerly of Fife Schools who have thrived through DYW initiatives, including valuable contributions by:
    • Max Lindsay Waiter at The Old Course Hotel.
    • Josh Marwood, Commis Chef at Pratis Barns.
    • Sophie Pace-Balzan, Bartender at Diageo’s Johnnie Walker Princes St, Edinburgh

Attendees were introduced to the NEFCA project’s objectives and its unique potential to build connections that will help secure the future of the HLT sector in Northeast Fife.

Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism Showcase

The showcase provided hands-on learning opportunities for S3-S6 pupils from Northeast Fife high schools. Students explored a variety of careers and skills within the HLT industry through interactive activities led by local businesses and professionals.

Activities included:

  • Culinary Skills: Canapé building, mocktail preparation, coffee tasting, and fine dining table setting.
  • Practical Demonstrations: Chainsaw cleaning (maintenance), bed making, and napkin folding.
  • Leisure Activities: Golf demonstrations and interactive workshops.
  • Creative Experiences: Cake decorating and videography displays.

These activities gave young attendees a tangible understanding of the diverse career paths available, emphasising innovation and skill-building.

Acknowledgements

DYW Fife extends heartfelt thanks to the businesses, partners, and speakers who made the event a success:

  • Janine Brown, HR Director, The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa.
  • David Cochrane MBE, Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland.
  • Dean Banks, Haar Restaurant.
  • Jack Melville, Bitnest (Videography).
  • Sophie Pace-Balzan, Diageo Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
  • Josh Marwood, Commis Chef, Pratis Barns.
  • Max Lindsay, Waiter, The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa.

Special thanks to our founders, Crown Estate and sponsors The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, whose support made this impactful event possible.

Looking Ahead

The NEFCA Project launch demonstrated the power of collaboration between education and industry in creating meaningful opportunities for young people. By showcasing the vibrancy and potential of the HLT sector, DYW Fife is paving the way for a brighter future in Northeast Fife.

If you are interested in joining future initiatives or learning more about the NEFCA Project, please contact us.