A TRAINING programme for volunteers at the Commonwealth Games is to be launched for people looking for work in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Jobcentre Plus in Glasgow has invested in Glasgow Welcomes-Online to allow city tourism, leisure and hospitality workers easily access customer services training.

The programme will be offered free to job-ready Jobseeker's Allowance visitors to Glasgow Jobcentres.

Last year, thousands of employees at bars, restaurants, hotels and leisure attractions, as well as around 2,500 Glasgow 2014 Clydesider volunteers, engaged with the programme to help ensure Glasgow delivered the "best ever Games".

The module takes less than two hours to complete and offers practical advice on how to deliver excellent customer service standards.

It also provides information about Glasgow's top attractions and events so frontline service staff can offer up-to-date advice on what there is to see and do in the city.

Kay Henry, third party provision manager for Jobcentre Plus said: "During our work to recruit staff for the Commonwealth Games, we became aware that many large employers in the city were interested in the Glasgow Welcomes training and welcomed applicants who had completed it.

"The programme content is a great fit for the type of jobs that many people are looking for and we want to support people as much as we can to improve their chances of securing employment.

"The opportunity to complete the training before interviews and starting a new role will equip people with relevant knowledge and skills, along with a boost in confidence which is vital to performing well in interviews."

Stella Callaghan, project manager at Glasgow Welcomes said: "This is fantastic recognition for the quality of Glasgow Welcomes training and its relevance to all those interested in following a career in our industry.

"Offering industry-approved training to those who want to work in tourism and hospitality will help them to prepare for work and will help to raise the standards of customer service excellence and build a workforce that truly understands the impact of the customer experience."

The Glasgow Welcomes scheme is supported by the Glasgow Tourism and Events Leadership Group which includes Glasgow City Council, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Scottish Enterprise and VisitScotland.

It is managed by VisitScotland on behalf of the industry and its partners. Principal funders are Scottish Enterprise with additional cash provided by Skills Development Scotland and the Glasgow city partners.