WHEN 22-year-old Mandy Greenwood received the certificate for her NVQ qualification, she wasn't standing in line with other students at a college prize giving. In order to make the point that the right qualifications can take you right to the top, Mandy was presented with her qualification at the top of the climbing and abseiling tower at Pontin's Holiday Centre, Brean Sands in Somerset.

"It felt pretty precarious, standing at the top on such a windy day," said Mandy once she was safely back on terra firma. "But it was a good way to draw other young people's attention to the opportunities for gaining qualifications in the workplace."

Mandy has been working at Pontin's since 1999 and decided to enrol on a Modern Apprenticeship programme last year, which the holiday company runs in partnership with the Hotel and Catering Training Company (HCTC). "The great thing is that I'm gaining qualification in Food and Drink Service, I'm working on a Level 3 in Restaurant Supervision. I'm keen to learn and progress in my career and Pontin's offers tremendous opportunities. Having started here as a waitress, I've been promoted several times and have worked in different departments in a supervisory capacity. It's never dull - as well as working in food and drink service I've also worked in leisure, which can mean anything from go-karts, to merchandising or co-ordinating the children's play area."

"Mandy is a great example of what young people who choose a career in hospitality can achieve," said Sue Plant of the Hotel and Catering Training Company (HTCT). "Hospitality, tourism and leisure is the UK's second fastest growing industry and there are fabulous opportunities for those who are prepared to work hard and gain the necessary qualifications. It's a very young and social world to be part of, so it's an excellent career choice for those who don't want to get stuck in a dull nine to five rut."