Ysgol David Hughes

Tourism Talent Pathfinder Event Inspires Future Hospitality Leaders on Ynys Môn

On 24 September 2024, Ysgol David Hughes hosted an inspiring full-day Tourism Talent Pathfinder event, welcoming a total of 147 Year 8 pupils from Ysgol David Hughes, Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones, Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi, and Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni, introducing students to the dynamic career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors on Ynys Môn. The organisers extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Ysgol David Hughes for their warm hospitality and seamless organisation.

The Tourism Talent Pathfinder project, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is dedicated to transforming perceptions of the tourism and hospitality industry in North Wales. By providing engaging practical opportunities, the initiative aims to enrich the school curriculum, foster essential life skills, and build a robust pipeline of skilled young professionals to meet the growing demands of the sector.

The day featured a series of hands-on activities and informative sessions designed to captivate and educate the students. These included:

Chef Demonstration by the Barrie Brothers of Y Marram

The renowned Barrie Brothers, chefs and co-founders of Y Marram restaurant on Ynys Môn, delivered an engaging cooking demonstration, featuring their roasted cherry tomato soup with crème fraîche, as they inspired students with their passion for sustainability, local ingredients, and culinary artistry. Each student received a physical recipe card, encouraging them to recreate the dish at home. Thanks are extended to The Cookery Theatre Co. for providing the professional demonstration kitchen.

Insightful, Inspirational Presentations from Local Businesses

Kim Jones, Company Ambassador for Halen Môn, shared the story of the company’s rise from humble beginnings to international acclaim. From its origins in a saucepan of seawater to being a favourite of chefs and food lovers worldwide, Halen Môn’s journey exemplifies the potential for innovation and excellence on Ynys Môn.

Becky Bevan, founder of Café Notos in Rhosneigr, also shared her entrepreneurial journey and commitment to sustainability. Her motivational talk highlighted the importance of passion, resilience, and environmental responsibility in building a successful business, leaving students inspired to explore their own aspirations.

School Food Showdown with Chef Ben

Students participated in the School Food Showdown, a vibrant healthy eating roadshow. The event featured a lively cook-off, where students showcased their culinary creativity using nutritious ingredients. This activity emphasised the importance of balanced diets and demonstrated how delicious healthy food can be.

Waffle-Making with Dessert Shack

Michaela Booker, owner of Dessert Shack, led a hands-on waffle-making activity. Dessert Shack is a thriving bubble waffle business based on Ynys Môn, known for its freshly made-to-order waffles, including gluten-free and vegan options. The students enthusiastically created and enjoyed their own waffles, exploring the joys of preparing freshly made treats. This interactive session, featuring options for gluten-free and vegan diets, was a resounding success.

Careers Fair: Inspiring Connections with Local Business Leaders

Woven into the event was a careers fair that provided invaluable insights into the skills and opportunities available within the tourism and hospitality industries on Ynys Môn. These businesses included:

Pilot House Café, a beachside café at Penmon Point serving pizzas, burgers, and snacks, with a focus on inclusivity through gluten-free and vegan options
Anglesey Adventures, outdoor activity provider with an array of adventure days and breaks, encouraging pupils to explore careers combining tourism and passion for the outdoors
Foel Farm Park, a family-friendly working farm, sparking interest in how local farms contribute to the island’s tourism appeal
Café Notos
Halen Môn

The Mission of the Tourism Talent Pathfinder

This event exemplified the mission of the Tourism Talent Pathfinder project: to elevate the profile of tourism and hospitality careers, bridge the gap between education and industry, and equip the next generation with the skills and experiences needed for success. As Ynys Môn continues to grow even more as a premier destination, initiatives like this are vital to cultivating local talent and ensuring the future prosperity of the industry. The Tourism Talent Pathfinder event at Ysgol David Hughes was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.

Special thanks go to Clustia Mul for providing a delicious staff lunch and to Event Lounge for their engaging 360-degree photobooth, which added an element of fun and excitement to the day.