The Youth Hospitality Project was launched by Off the Rails managers Olly Ashton and Chloe Harman alongside owner Karl Sutton after their St Brelade restaurant was allegedly broken into and vandalised by several thieves earlier this year. An investigation is ongoing and six suspects aged 14 and 15 were arrested and released on police bail.
Following the incident, the Off the Rails team became concerned that young people were being negatively portrayed within the community, and decided to create a gateway programme into hospitality work directed at 14- to 19-year-olds.
Developed in partnership with Skills Jersey, Highlands College, the St Brelade Youth Project and the Jersey Hospitality Association, the project will begin inductions after the half-term holidays and already has the backing of multiple businesses – including The Hideout, the St Brelade’s Bay Hotel and the Seymour Group.
‘The response from the community has been fantastic and we are so grateful for all the love and support,’ said Mr Ashton, adding that the scheme was ‘ready to roll’.
‘Any other employers who would like to get involved should get in touch through the JHA,’ he said.
Mr Ashton said that, by working in the hospitality sector, young Islanders would gain a strong foundation of business skills that would help them regardless of their chosen career path.
‘Hopefully this can become something that lasts,’ he said. ‘A job in hospitality is a great experience, especially as a first job. This is an opportunity, whether they want to further their career, or take it travelling, or even start their own business – you learn everything in this industry.’
‘A pound earned is worth ten times a pound stolen or given to you,’ added Mr Ashton. ‘What I would say to parents is to get young people to apply themselves and support them.’
Those aged 14-to-19 who are available over the summer months can register their interest by visiting survey.gov.je/s/youthhospitality/ or by contacting Skills Jersey at skillsjersey@gov.je.
