Connecting Hospitality - Serving up success
Iris, a student at Oulton Academy, currently works as a Waitress and Food & Beverage Team Member at Oulton Hall — a role she successfully secured as a direct result of her participation in the Connecting Hospitality to Schools programme delivered in partnership with Oulton Hall and Oulton Academy.
In her role, Iris’s main responsibilities include delivering food to tables, taking customer orders during quieter periods, and occasionally assisting with room service.
Iris particularly enjoys working with her kind and supportive team, the variety each shift brings, and the opportunity to meet new people. She also values the financial independence her job provides, giving her a sense of pride in being able to treat her loved ones.
Since starting her role, Iris has developed several important skills, including:
- Greater confidence and improved communication with customers
- Increased efficiency in completing tasks
- Enhanced multitasking skills
- Improved time management, such as consistently arriving on time
After completing her GCSEs, Iris plans to continue working at Oulton Hall while studying A-levels at New College Pontefract.
Iris strongly recommends the Connecting Schools to Hospitality Programme, explaining that it opens valuable pathways into real working environments. She believes securing a part time job at a young age demonstrates motivation, builds confidence, and strengthens a CV—making the programme an excellent opportunity for young people.
