Work Ready: Visitor Economy Pathway

Start

28 Sep 2026

End

27 Nov 2026

The Work-Ready: Visitor Economy Pathway is a supportive, flexible programme designed to help individuals across the Scottish Borders take confident steps towards a career in hospitality and the wider visitor economy. Delivered in partnership with the Local Employability Partnership (LEP), this course focuses on building practical skills, confidence and real-world experience that employers value.


Whether you are unemployed, economically inactive, returning to work, or looking to change direction, this programme is designed around your needs. Through a blend of learning activities, face-to-face practical sessions and employer engagement, you will gain the essential skills required to move into work within cafes, restaurants, hotels, tourism venues and visitor attractions across the region. The course supports inclusive access, particularly for those facing barriers such as rural location, transport, caring responsibilities or gaps in employment history.

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Qualifications

On successful completion, learners may achieve:

  • Qualifications Scotland Employability Award
  • REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate
  • REHIS Scottish Personal Licence Holder

Delivery

This programme is delivered over 8 weeks using a blended learning model, combining:

  • Face-to-face practical sessions at Borders College
  • Self-directed learning to support flexibility and accessibility
  • One-to-one guidance and employability support
  • Employer engagement and work-placement opportunities

Learners will receive up to 12 hours of structured support per week, tailored to individual needs, ensuring a person-centred and supportive learning experience.

Location

Scottish Borders Campus, Galashiels
Work-Based Learning

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Entry requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements. This course is ideal for:

  • Individuals who are unemployed or economically inactive
  • Parents returning to work or seeking flexible employment
  • People facing barriers such as rural isolation, transport issues or confidence gaps
  • Those interested in starting a career in hospitality or the visitor economy

All learners will be supported through a welcoming and inclusive application process.

Progression opportunities

This programme is designed as a clear pathway into employment or further learning. Progression opportunities include:

  • Entry-level roles in cafes, restaurants, hotels and visitor attractions
  • Seasonal and permanent employment within the tourism sector
  • Further college study in Hospitality, Professional Cookery or Tourism
  • Apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities

Learners who need additional support will continue to receive guidance and onward referral through Borders College and partner organisations.

Application and Interview Process

All applications will be carefully reviewed by the delivery team to confirm eligibility and suitability. Admission to the course is based on these checks and will be at the discretion of Borders College.
Successful applicants will be formally enrolled and provided with a confirmed start date. Learners will have opportunities to discuss their goals, ask questions about the course, and access wider college support services as part of the onboarding process.

Career Prospects

The hospitality and visitor economy is a growing sector across the Scottish Borders, with increasing demand driven by major regional developments and tourism growth. This course supports access to local opportunities with employers across the region, helping learners secure sustainable employment and contribute to the local economy.
Roles may include:

  • Hospitality assistant
  • Cafe or restaurant team member
  • Hotel and accommodation roles
  • Visitor attraction and tourism support roles

This programme supports the region's commitment to inclusive growth by helping local people access local jobs.

Course Content

This course provides a practical and engaging introduction to working in hospitality and the visitor economy, combining sector-specific skills with employability development. Key areas include:

  • Introduction to hospitality and the visitor economy in the Scottish Borders
  • Customer service excellence and professional communication focussing on soft skill development
  • Food safety and hygiene (REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene)
  • REHIS Scottish Personal Licence Holder awareness
  • Health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace
  • Core employability skills including CV development, interview preparation and job search
  • Confidence-building and teamwork
  • Practical experience through college facilities such as the training restaurant and coffee bar
  • Employer engagement activities, including industry visits and work placements

The programme is delivered by Borders College staff in partnership with employability specialists and local hospitality employers, ensuring learning is relevant, current and aligned to regional job opportunities.

Questions?

Get in touch for further information, we’re here to help.

01896 66 26 00