Marriott Hotels signs up for Women 1st initiative

The initiative funded by Industry and Skills Development Scotland and is the brainchild of People 1st, which found that while 56 per cent of the workforce is female, only six per cent of board director positions are held by women.

“Women 1st has an impressive track record of making a positive difference to employers and their female staff in England and we were keen to be involved as soon as the programme was available in Scotland,” said Lorraine Downard, human resources officer at Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club (pictured).

“The fact that the training is also subsidised makes it incredibly cost efficient too.”

The Women 1st programme will be available in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dumfries. Usually £2000 per delegate, People 1st secured a government subsidy to offer the programme to women in Scotland for just £300 per candidate.

Olympics and Commonwealth Games​

David Allen, head of sector skills council People 1st in Scotland concludes: “Next year’s Olympics as well as the Commonwealth Games 2014 in Glasgow will present Scotland with an invaluable business opportunity.

“Women 1st has delivered significant results for employers and their female staff. In England, a third of participants achieved career progression, 20% secured an increase in salary despite the difficult financial climate and nearly 90% felt that they now had the confidence to break through the glass ceiling, thanks to the programme.

“We can now look to replicate that success here in Scotland.”

For further information or to apply for a place on the Women 1st training programme in Scotland contact Lorraine Birrell on 0131 654 0687 or jbzra1fgfpbgynaq@crbcyr1fg.pb.hx​.