Fair View plays its part in youth development

The owners of Fair View Guest House are doing their fair share to encourage youths to seek careers in the hotel and hospitality sector.{{more}}

Richard and Kimella Ashley, proprietors of the Guest House, took part in the Campden Park Technical Institute’s (CPTI) work placement scheme, which began in February and which will finish in July. Three students are currently on attachment with their establishment, and they were only too happy to speak to SEARCHLIGHT about their experiences.

Shawn Collis, 24, Nikisha Neverson, 17, and Camelia Harry, 27, all agree on one thing – their attachment at Fair View has been a positive experience, providing them with invaluable information and skills.

Harry, who is studying Food Preparation at the CPTI, has ambitions of being an Executive Chef. She believes her time at Fair View has put her one step closer to this goal. “I’ve learnt a lot!” she enthused. She also encourages young people to have career ambitions and do all they can to achieve them.

Collis, the lone male, is studying Food and Beverage Service, so his placement in the Bar section at the guesthouse is a perfect fit. He is determined to become a Manager at a Restaurant or Hotel eventually, and is extremely grateful to the CPTI and the owners of Fair View for affording him this opportunity.

Another Food and Beverage Service student, Neverson has found Fair View’s motto, “Our home is your home away from home”, to be accurate. According to her, the other staff members are friendly, and the owners make you feel like part of a family. “It was wonderful!” Neverson hopes that this practical, hands on experience will help her to gain employment on a cruise ship or hotel, working as a waitress or bartender.

Owner Kimella Ashley spoke to SEARCHLIGHT about the students’ placement and expressed how willing she is to repeat it next year. “As weeks went by, they gained better understanding of guests’ needs and how to deal with the operation. We continued to discuss the challenges and rewards of hospitality in general… where they see themselves fitting in… their role plays a part in the development of the country and the region.”

She also spoke of a trip to Union Island to spread the word of Tourism with primary school children, on which all three students accompanied her and her husband Richard. “They seem to have enjoyed the experience in Union Island most of all… for two of them it was the first time they traveled off the mainland.”

Ashley lamented the impending end of the work placement, describing it as “a truly rewarding experience… that empowers and encourages young people.” She pressed upon the youth the necessity of possessing a trade, especially in these difficult financial times.

In particular, Ashley and her husband were highly impressed with the dedication and potential that Shawn Collis has exhibited. So much so that they have offered him a permanent position at their establishment.

Martin Williams, Headteacher at the CPTI, expressed his gratitude to Fair View Guest House for participating in the placement scheme, and for sharing their expertise with the students. Additionally, he encouraged other business places to get involved in this venture as they would be investing in the future of this nation. “It’s an excellent placement scheme!”

He also took the opportunity to announce that application forms for the new school year are now available from the institute. They offer Level 1 training programmes in disciplines such as Data Operations, Electrical Installation and Automechanics, amongst others. (JSV)