Galvin at Windows, the award-winning restaurant located on the summit of the London Hilton on Park Lane, has launched its Young Adults Employment Initiative – creating opportunities for young hospitality talent to thrive in the industry.

In partnership with Tameside College, the 12-week programme has seen five hospitality and catering students hosted at the London Hilton on Park Lane, receiving full-time payment alongside accommodation and meals whilst working in a variety of roles including serving guests, managing sections, table side carving and other key restaurant functions. The cohort of students have been mentored by the restaurant’s General Manager, Peter Avis and his Restaurant Manager, Antonino Forte.

Providing a taste of living and working independently for the first time, all students have been paid full time hours and on successful completion of the programme and will be offered full time positions either at Galvin at Windows or one of the Galvin sister restaurants.

The project has been developed by Avis who passionately believes in the need to showcase Great British hospitality. Supported by John Holden, hospitality and catering teacher at the college, the duo are helping to bridge the industry’s employment gap whilst providing students with the skills they need to succeed in the industry.

“The collaboration of industry and education is crucial to help plug the skills gap and attract more young people into hospitality,” says Peter Avis. “The industry offers so many fantastic opportunities to build a fulfilling career, myself coming from Liverpool and working my way up to General Manager here at Galvin at Windows at the Hilton on Park Lane really shows how amazing a career in hospitality can be for young British talent. We’re delighted to be supporting young people’s first steps into the sector through this scheme, and I am personally looking forward to seeing our programme grow to give opportunities to many more young people.”

Micheal Shepherd, Area General Manager at London Hilton on Park Lane comments: “Through this initiative, Peter and his team – in partnership with Bridge the Skills Gap – are playing a crucial role in upskilling young people and helping businesses to attract, retain and develop talent through dedicated training and hands-on experience. Peter, with the support of the London Hilton on Park Lane, has enrolled five hospitality students from Liverpool to take part in a twelve week programme guided and mentored by the outstanding leadership of Peter and his Restaurant Manager, Antonino Forte.”

Daniel Gavin, food and beverage student at Tameside College adds: “I am elated to get the chance to improve my craft in London, in one of the top restaurants. It will be great to work with some of the best service staff and management in the industry to develop new skills and knowledge. It’s definitely something I can put on my CV for the future.”