Project Description

Waid Academy celebrated the launch of its Hospitality and Tourism Hub, named The Neuk Hub, on Friday, September 20th, with 18 employers and partners in attendance. The launch, hosted by Headteacher Mr. Duncan and Home Economics Teacher/Neuk Hub Lead Miss Aird, marked the beginning of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing students with hands-on experience in the hospitality and tourism sectors. 

The Neuk Hub is designed to give pupils practical exposure to the hospitality industry, enriching their learning experience through collaborations with local businesses. The Hub features a Barista Coffee Machine and a Customer Service Counter, simulating a real-world work environment for pupils as they work through their Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Learning Pathway. Currently, 10 S3 and S4 pupils are enrolled in the programme, which includes qualifications in National 4/5 Skills for Work Hospitality, Travel & Tourism, NPAs in Customer Service, Enterprise and Employability, as well as Level 5 Barista Skills and Food Hygiene certifications. 

This new learning environment, supported by Welcome to Fife and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), allows students to acquire real-world skills that can be directly applied in future careers. The initiative forms a critical link between education and the local economy, preparing students for the world of work while addressing skill shortages in the region. 

 

Partners and Businesses Involved: 

Local businesses across the North East Fife hospitality, leisure, and tourism sectors are key partners in The Neuk Hub. These businesses will collaborate with the school to offer students workshops, business visits, career education, and mock interviews, providing a comprehensive pathway into the industry. The partnership aims to not only inspire students but to create work experience opportunities that may lead to employment or further training. 

Nicola Masterton and Mark Kelly from DYW, along with local employers, attended the launch to offer support and feedback on how they can contribute to the curriculum, sharing their vision for a robust partnership between local industry and the school. 

 

Event Activities and Learning Outcomes: 

The Neuk Hub Launch was designed to showcase the school’s initiative to local employers and partners and to explore future collaborations. The event featured presentations from Mr. Duncan and Miss Aird, who provided an overview of the Hub’s development and its impact on student learning. Representatives from North East Fife Coastal Alliance (NEFCA) also spoke, highlighting the importance of the local hospitality industry in shaping young people’s career aspirations. 

During the launch, attendees participated in discussion groups, where local employers shared their insights on how they could engage with the Hub and enhance the learning pathway. These discussions provided valuable feedback, which will be used to refine the programme and ensure it meets the needs of both students and local businesses. 

One of the first practical events hosted by the Hub was a MacMillan Bake Sale on Wednesday, September 25th, where students applied their newfound skills. Pupils prepared baked goods, served staff and peers, and demonstrated their barista skills by making coffee and hot chocolate. The event raised £120 for MacMillan Cancer Support, showcasing the students’ development in both practical cooking and customer service skills. The bake sale was a resounding success, with the students managing all aspects of the event, from preparation to service. 

 

Feedback from Participants: 

Miss Aird, Home Economics Teacher and Neuk Hub Lead:
“The launch of The Neuk Hub has been a truly exciting milestone for Waid Academy. It’s been amazing to see the pupils embrace the opportunity to learn practical, real-world skills in hospitality, travel, and tourism, while also engaging directly with our local businesses and community partners. Our goal is to not only prepare them for successful careers but to ignite their passion for these industries and give them confidence in their abilities. Events like the MacMillan Bake Sale really bring everything together, showcasing the pupils’ development in both their practical skills and their professionalism. I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished so far, and I’m excited to see where this journey will take them.” 

Linn Williamson, Tourism Officer, Welcome to Fife:
“The launch of The Neuk Hub was a great event, well organised and gave our tourism businesses from around the East Neuk the opportunity to discover more about the project. Miss Aird has produced a fantastic programme of activities and modules for the students which will really help inspire them to choose tourism and hospitality as a chosen career. Businesses in the room are excited to be involved in the project and look forward to inviting students into their business for practical experience and inspiration.” 

Mark Kelly, Employability Officer for DYW:
“The Launch was a great event overall, and it was great to see so many local employers and partners in attendance. Everyone was really positive about the work Waid Academy is doing and was very impressed with what Miss Aird had to say about the East Neuk Hub and the Pathway for the Hub pupils. Everyone engaged well during the table discussions, and great feedback from this has been collated. They were also impressed with the hospitality provided, which included home baking by the pupils. I also attended the Bake Sale for McMillan, which was a great success. The pupils and Miss Aird did an amazing job.” 

 

Conclusion: 

The Neuk Hub at Waid Academy represents an innovative approach to preparing young people for careers in hospitality, tourism, and leisure. Through hands-on learning and partnerships with local businesses, the Hub offers students a unique opportunity to develop practical skills, earn industry-relevant qualifications, and build connections with future employers. 

The successful launch and subsequent events, like the MacMillan Bake Sale, have already begun to showcase the impact of this programme. With ongoing support from Welcome to Fife, DYW, and local hospitality businesses, the future looks bright for the students at Waid Academy as they embark on their career pathways in this thriving industry.