St Giles Hotel to provide hospitality training for 20 rough sleepers

St Giles’ Hotels with Heart Foundation will offer hospitality training to 20 rough sleepers in London this month, as part of its ongoing commitment to support its local community.

The charitable initiative has partnered with non-profit Saira Hospitality to deliver the potentially life-changing programme for individuals temporarily being housed at its Bloomsbury hotel. Saira Hospitality migrated its pop-up hospitality school concept to London in 2022 following seven years of operating in destinations such as Namibia, Mexico, BVI and the US. 

Participants in The Academy will undergo a four-week training course in April and May, covering a number of hospitality-focused life skills, including communication, leadership and emotional intelligence. 

As well as receiving lessons in a classroom setting, candidates will complete work placements with leading hospitality employers including Z hotels, Marriott, Travelodge and Accor. These companies have also pledged to provide career mentorship and guaranteed job interviews to participants after the programme ends. Students will also take a walking tour of Saira Hospitality’s London hotel partners, visiting various properties and experiencing different styles of guest service.

Hotels with Heart Foundation and Saira Hospitality said they are also actively looking for additional hospitality partners who wish to support The Academy initiative, whether by offering work experience, job interviews or memorable experiences for candidates during the programme.