Charity and college partner on skills drive

A regeneration charity has teamed up with an education provider to deliver hospitality training.

Staff and volunteers at The Auckland Project have taken part in a course aimed at boosting County Durham’s tourism and visitor economy.

Known as ‘Land of the Prince Bishops’ HOST’, the programme – created alongside Bishop Auckland College – has been designed to prepare front of house staff and volunteers for roles across the charity’s hotels, restaurants and hospitality venues.

Delivered at Bishop Auckland’s McIntyre Centre, the two-day course focused on areas including communication, local knowledge, complaint handling and customer experience.

Louise Costello, The Auckland Project’s HR strategic lead, said: “We are delighted to have completed our first joint initiative with Bishop Auckland College.

“It’s been fantastic to work with the college to create a course that supports individual development and our ambitions as an organisation.”

Judith Layfield, Bishop Auckland College vice principal, added: “The values of the two organisations are closely aligned.

“This programme epitomises how we have worked together to support local people to develop the skills they need to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities emerging in Bishop Auckland.”

The Auckland Project’s hospitality sites include tapas venue El Castillo and the 38-bedroom Park Head Hotel and Oak Room Restaurant.

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