Quality Report 2015 | Page 67

experience. Of the thirteen candidates who completed the course, nine secured jobs with the RAD hotel group, mainly at the Lochside Hotel. Project Bartender In 2014-15, the College delivered four Ayrshire Hospitality and Bartending courses to 53 unemployed people. A national employment and training programme developed by DIAGEO through its Learning for Life programme, it was tailored by the College for Ayrshire’s hospitality industry. The six week course equipped trainees with the skills to succeed in Scotland’s vibrant hospitality sector by providing hands-on technical training as well as valuable life skills such as confidence and presentation. Students undertook work placements throughout the year at many of Ayrshire’s top bars, restaurants and hotels. On average, after completing the course 46% of students were retained on a part-time or full-time time basis by the employer they completed their work placement with. Three months on, two thirds of students were either in work or enrolled on a college course. After six months this figure has risen to 75%. Of this 75%, more than half of the students had pre