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The owner of a luxury Buckinghamshire hotel has attended a networking event at Milton Keynes College to help local educators prepare students for the world of work.
Karim Kassam, owner of Horwood House Hotel, a 4-star country house hotel and conference venue in Little Horwood, near Milton Keynes, recently attended the event at Milton Keynes College’s Bletchley campus, where he shared the realities, challenges and employability skills needed by today’s workforce to succeed in the hospitality industry.
The event, led by Maria Bowness, Group Director for Curriculum and Pedagogy at Milton Keynes College Group, brought together select local business owners, including Karim, to identify key human and personality skills that can better prepare students for the modern working environment.
Through collaboration, the group pinpointed six crucial skills employers seek in students: Communication, Resilience, Growth Mindset (being open to feedback), Curiosity, Creative & Critical Thinking, and Passion & Desire.
The findings will help align training and curriculum with employer needs, address emerging skills gaps, and enhance the employability of young people by fostering essential business and professional skills.
Speaking on the event, Karim said: “It was a privilege to engage with the team at Milton Keynes College and support their mission to align education with the realities of the modern work landscape. By sharing the specific professional skills we look for, we can help ensure that the next generation of talent is not only work-ready, but inspired to build long-term, rewarding careers in our industry.”
Horwood House has an established and long-standing relationship with MK College, with its most recent partnership being an apprenticeship programme to further develop local talent.
By bridging the gap between classroom learning and the fast-paced hospitality environment, the programme provides young people in the region with a pathway into professional careers in an award-winning hotel setting.
The collaboration underscores Horwood House’s dedication to social responsibility and community investment. Following a recent £6.5million refurbishment, the 38-acre estate serves as a premier training ground where apprentices can learn from industry experts while gaining hands-on experience in a Grade II listed building.
Maria Bowness, Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy at Milton Keynes College Group, said: “As part of our mission to deliver Fairer Futures for our learners and local communities, we think it’s vital to engage with local employers in a variety of ways. We’re grateful to Karim and all of the other employers who attended the event, which we’re sure will have a positive impact on the prospects of young people in our communities.”