Devon and Cornwall branch

Some of us involved in the tourist industry in the West Country have tried to envisage what our industry will be like in 50 years time? We are surrounded by beautiful countryside, dramatic moorlands, sandy beaches, rocky coves, picturesque buildings and historic sites. Added to that we have excellent sources of local produce and a desire to have a well-trained, motivated and happy work-force.

However, the sad truth is that in 50 years time we will still have all the natural resources and the buildings, but no one to work with them.

Over the last ten years the hospitality industry has become increasingly undermined. We are facing a dire skills shortage caused by low levels of pay, seasonal shut-downs and more attractive career prospects elsewhere. It is also becoming more and more difficult to attract new entrants, of the right calibre, to the industry.

Statistics show that illiteracy and innumeracy amongst school leavers is steadily increasing, and that the UK is fourth from bottom in the league of main industrial nations for participation rates in education for 17 year olds. We are only above Greece, Turkey and Mexico, in this respect. It is therefore quite clear that training facilities for young people who have already left school are of vital importance.

Each one of us has to accept some responsibility for the present shocking state of affairs. It is very easy to apportion blame elsewhere and then sit back and do nothing. But our ship is foundering on the rocks and we need every bit of help we can get to keep us afloat.

At one time there were something like 74 National Training Organisations - ours was the Hospitality Training Foundation, dealing with the training needs of individual trades/professions.

The Government now want a more focused approach to the business of training and have stated that they require only 14 units, Sector Skills Councils, to replace the previous 74. These councils will be employer driven and will represent all the industries throughout the country.

We need to ensure that one of these Sector Skills Councils represents the hospitality industry alone. We cannot afford to have our interests diluted by becoming amalgamated with other organisations.

Bob Cotton, the chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, lends his weight to the issue.

He said: "It is critical that a Sector Skills Council is set up for Tourism. This is one of Britain's few growing industries employing over two million people with a contribution of £75 billion per year. We must develop the skills of the people to maintain this growing sector."

We need you to show your support and faith in your future by writing to the Hospitality Training Foundation stating that you wish it to continue to deal with the requirements of our industry.

Please write on headed note-paper. You in the Westcountry are an important employer and the use of your logo will add weight to our campaign, and hopefully five minutes of your time now will provide us with a contented and skilled work-force in 2052.

Please write to: Declan Swan FHCIMA, Director NTO, Hospitality Training Foundation, Third Floor, International House, High Street, Ealing, London W5 5DB.

Fax. 020 8840 6217.

E-mail dswan@htf.org.uk