National Waiters’ Day will take place this 16th May 2017, as the campaign, led by The Springboard Charity and Fred Sirieix, celebrates its 5th anniversary.
The day aims to showcase the dedication, skills and hard work of front of house staff, as well as the great potential for rewarding careers in the hospitality industry, which employs 2.9 million people in the UK. It aims to change perceptions of front of house roles in hospitality and encourage people to consider the long term careers that are available with great progression routes.
On the day, activities will take place nationwide. Hotels and restaurants are opening their doors to offer workshops, taster days and takeover days, while ‘waiters’ races’ are also being held in celebration of the profession. The @WaitersDay_UK Twitter account will lead the social media campaign with the hashtag #NWD2017. Everyone can use the hashtag ahead of and on the day, whether tweeting a front of house team photo, or a photo from a National Waiters’ Day activity.
Fred Sirieix, General Manager at Galvin at Windows and founder of the day, said:
I’m excited to once again lead the race and celebrations in Hyde Park this 16th May - to be celebrating our fifth year of National Waiters’ Day is a wonderful milestone! It’s essential that we promote the ocean of career opportunities hospitality has to offer, celebrate the hard work of front of house professionals, and encourage more people to begin great careers in hospitality. With all the opportunities available, you can work hard and be rewarded with success – there has never been a more exciting time to join this special industry.”
Anne Pierce, Springboard’s CEO, said:
National Waiters’ Day was created to increase awareness of the range of roles available in front of house, and at the same time, to celebrate the work of the millions who work in the industry. It’s the ideal opportunity for jobseekers and businesses alike, with activities ranging from skills challenges to talks, and of course the waiters’ race!”
The event is sponsored by Bunzl Catering Supplies and the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.
Hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses are invited to offer activities, demonstrations and challenges for prospective employees and students. For more information, to register a National Waiters’ Day event, or to sign up, visit: https://nationalwaitersday.com/
Springboard’s CareerScope promotes careers in the sector and offers free information, advice and guidance on careers: https://careerscope.uk.net/
- Free specialist careers information
- Taster work experience opportunities
- Development programmes to help maximise the chances of obtaining sustainable employment
- Pre-employment and mentoring programmes
- Educational teaching resources, information, support and student activities to teachers in schools and colleges
Springboard equips people with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their potential. Springboard also works closely with the industry to help attract more talent and address skills shortages. In doing so, it has the support of over 180 different industry establishments and suppliers. For more information about Springboard, visit: http://www.springboard.uk.net/
