MEDIA RELEASE
4 June 2008
Introducing Students To The World Of Hospitality
Accor is helping high school students learn more about the world of hospitality and its many career opportunities,
participating in the 14th annual Work Choice Day on 20 May.
Accor hotels Mercure Hotel Auckland and Novotel & Hotel Ibis Ellerslie between them hosted a total of 80 students keen to learn the ins and outs of the industry.
Work Choice Day is an annual event run by Workplace Trust and involves the participation of thousands of Year 12
students and 250 companies throughout New Zealand.
Two half day sessions were held in each hotel, where students were introduced to the world of hotels, participating in
site inspections, bed making and table setting competitions and learning about the various career options available
within the hospitality industry.
Amber Margrain, Accor Senior Human Resources Manager – New Talent, says the event is an excellent way to assist and
support high school students in the transition from high school education into the workforce.
“We are very pleased to have been involved in Work Choice Day here in Auckland. Accor is committed to assisting young
New Zealanders in making informed choices about life after high school, in what can often be a difficult transition. The
event also enables us to showcase hospitality as a vibrant industry that offers a wealth of opportunities and
experiences.
“In 2007 13% of students requested to be placed in a Hospitality & Tourism organisation, however only 4% were able to achieve this due to low participation from hospitality & tourism operators. There is a very strong interest among these students, which we want to encourage and nurture.”
Schools hosted in Auckland included Orewa College, St Dominics College, Avondale College, St Cuthberts College and
Tamaki College.
ENDS