Pupils who’ve been mentored as part of Mosaic’s Secondary School programme had the chance to see where some of their mentors worked during a recent ‘World of Work’ visit organised by Education Business Services International (EBSI) in partnership with Marriott Hotel Group and funded by The Heathrow Community Fund.

The pupils from Swakeleys School for Girls spent time at the Langley Windsor Marriott Hotel where their mentors gave them an insight into a career in the hospitality industry. They took part in a number of activities including a bed making competition and mixing ‘mocktails’ as well as listening to an inspirational speech given by Paul Davies, the hotel’s General Manager.

One of the pupils said: “It’s been great having spent time with an employer as we have learnt so much about the world of work and have even had the opportunity to spend a day at our mentor’s workplace. I didn’t realise how many job opportunities there actually are in the hotel industry. Having a mentor has helped me build my confidence and understand how the skills we use now can be used in employment.”

A teacher at Swakeleys School commented: “I did not know how the girls would respond to the Mosaic Mentoring programme, but having dropped into some of the sessions and witnessed them returning each week in their own time after school, I can confirm that they were a definite success.

“The visit has been the highlight of the whole programme and the girls were able to learn so much about the different functional areas of the Marriott Hotel and many were really prompted to consider a career in hospitality. Thank you so much to EBSI for allowing us to be part of the programme but special thanks has to go to all the mentors from Marriott Hotel and Brunel University for their commitment to the programme.”

Mosaic’s Secondary School Programme aims to encourage self-belief, confidence in young people and help bridge the link between education to employment through educating mentees about employability skills.