THREE senior school pupils have graduated from a programme aimed at providing them with hospitality skills and boost their job chances.

They are the sixth group to successfully complete the Hotel and Hospitality Academy programme which is a partnership between regeneration agency Clyde Gateway, Marriott Hotels and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Previous programmes have resulted in the hotel chain employing 18 school leavers at its city hotel.

This year, six pupils from three high schools in the East End and South Lanarkshire were given 190 hours of work experience across all elements of a busy hotel environment.

The schools taking part were St Mungo's Academy and Trinity High School and Stonelaw High School in Rutherglen.

Ann Marie Burns, project manager for education, business and community growth at Clyde Gateway, said: "I am delighted to see these hard working young people successfully graduating from what is a fantastic initiative.

"It is just one of the many programmes we carry out with local schools within the Clyde Gateway catchment area to prepare them for the world of work.

"The graduates are now very well equipped for gaining employment in the hospitality industry - a sector that is continuing to grow and provides a wide range of exciting job opportunities."

Graduate Kyle McAllister, a fifth year pupil at Stonelaw High School, said: "I have really enjoyed the programme. it has given me some great hospitality skills and really built up my confidence and determination to do well.

"The Marriott team are brilliant to work with and I have met some fantastic people.

A similar scheme which is aimed at primary pupils is also nearing completion. Hospitality Explorers is designed to give 13 primary schools the chance to gain an insight into working in the hospitality industry.