Swiss Summer School for James O'Donnell
The Balmoral's number one star - James O'Donnell - is set to travel to a leading Swiss Hotel Management School after winning a prestigious scholarship to learn new skills and develop his knowledge of the tourism industry.
James will attend the Summer Management Programme at the École Hotelière de Lausanne in Switzerland, which is recognised as the world-class hotel and hospitality management school. The scholarship is awarded by The Master Innholders on behalf of The Worshipful Company of Innholders and The Savoy Educational Trust. The Balmoral actively encourages its employees to enter scholarships, in a bid to build on the hotel's reputation as a centre of excellence within Scotland's tourism industry. James initially submitted an application on his career to date and his thoughts on the UK's tourism industry. He was then invited to London for a day of gruelling interviews and rigorous assessments with industry leaders, to ensure that he had the commitment required for this course. The Summer Management Programme will cover business modules in hotel management and leadership, as well as excellent networking opportunities where James will meet fellow students and hospitality leaders from around the world.
James started his career in hospitality at Edinburgh's Napier University, where he gained a BA in Hotel Services Management. During his degree, he spent a six-month work placement in The Balmoral's Michelin-starred number one restaurant, where he later returned as a graduate. James has progressed through the ranks, and is now number one's Assistant Manager. James is one of The Balmoral's brightest young recruits: he was one of the first employees in the company to complete the hotel's bespoke Management Development Programme, which has set him on the track towards a management role within The Rocco Forte Collection.
At only 24 years old, James already has a very impressive track record: he was the first recipient of the prestigious James Sankey Award, which recognises excellence in service. James has gone on to win other awards including first prize in the Copa Jerez Sherry Sous Chef of The Year and Wine Waiter of the Year 2006 competition. James has also just completed the Advanced WSET Course (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) and is shortly due to commence his Diploma.
James commented: "I absolutely love working in the hotel and hospitality industry - this is a passion, not just a job. I am delighted to be attending the École Hotelière de Lausanne, as it has such a famous reputation. I know that I will learn so much there, and I look forward to returning to The Balmoral with new skills, and new friends within the industry".
James O'Donnell will attend the Summer Management Programme from 18 June to 02 July 2006. For an interview with James, either prior/post placement, please liaise with Emma Offord, PR Manager at The Balmoral on 0131 622 8805 or email: eofford@thebalmoralhotel.com
For further details on the scholarship, please refer to: www.masterinnholders.co.uk/scholarships
James will attend the Summer Management Programme at the École Hotelière de Lausanne in Switzerland, which is recognised as the world-class hotel and hospitality management school. The scholarship is awarded by The Master Innholders on behalf of The Worshipful Company of Innholders and The Savoy Educational Trust. The Balmoral actively encourages its employees to enter scholarships, in a bid to build on the hotel's reputation as a centre of excellence within Scotland's tourism industry. James initially submitted an application on his career to date and his thoughts on the UK's tourism industry. He was then invited to London for a day of gruelling interviews and rigorous assessments with industry leaders, to ensure that he had the commitment required for this course. The Summer Management Programme will cover business modules in hotel management and leadership, as well as excellent networking opportunities where James will meet fellow students and hospitality leaders from around the world.
James started his career in hospitality at Edinburgh's Napier University, where he gained a BA in Hotel Services Management. During his degree, he spent a six-month work placement in The Balmoral's Michelin-starred number one restaurant, where he later returned as a graduate. James has progressed through the ranks, and is now number one's Assistant Manager. James is one of The Balmoral's brightest young recruits: he was one of the first employees in the company to complete the hotel's bespoke Management Development Programme, which has set him on the track towards a management role within The Rocco Forte Collection.
At only 24 years old, James already has a very impressive track record: he was the first recipient of the prestigious James Sankey Award, which recognises excellence in service. James has gone on to win other awards including first prize in the Copa Jerez Sherry Sous Chef of The Year and Wine Waiter of the Year 2006 competition. James has also just completed the Advanced WSET Course (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) and is shortly due to commence his Diploma.
James commented: "I absolutely love working in the hotel and hospitality industry - this is a passion, not just a job. I am delighted to be attending the École Hotelière de Lausanne, as it has such a famous reputation. I know that I will learn so much there, and I look forward to returning to The Balmoral with new skills, and new friends within the industry".
James O'Donnell will attend the Summer Management Programme from 18 June to 02 July 2006. For an interview with James, either prior/post placement, please liaise with Emma Offord, PR Manager at The Balmoral on 0131 622 8805 or email: eofford@thebalmoralhotel.com
For further details on the scholarship, please refer to: www.masterinnholders.co.uk/scholarships
