AN ambassador programme has been launched to promote the city of Southampton and all it has to offer.
Southampton's Town Crier shared the good news at the Portland Terrace headquarters of Kiwi Education, the training provider behind the brand-new scheme, aimed at showcasing Southampton’s culture, heritage and diversity.
With hopes of capturing the same energy and passion shared throughout the City of Culture bid, Kiwi believe that the people working in Southampton’s visitor economy can play a crucial part in the city reaching its full potential.
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Supported by Southampton City Council, Go Southampton and Visit Southampton, the course looks to combine a customer service-based apprenticeship with the knowledge and experience of Southampton’s top visitor attractions.
It is the brainchild of managing director Michael Steel, a born and bred Sotonian who was frustrated after overhearing a staff member at a Westquay restaurant advising cruise passengers to visit London, Winchester, Bournemouth, Stonehenge or the New Forest, rather than staying in Southampton.
He told the Daily Echo: "Our apprentices will sell the city and all the wonderful things it has to offer."
Southampton City Council Leader Satvir Kaur, a city ambassador partner, added: "This is a fantastic programme, offering new and exciting opportunities for not only those taking part, but also to the city.
"It will be great to have city ambassadors promoting everything our diverse, dynamic, creative city has to offer. I wish them every success."
The City Ambassador Programme has been built to upskill and develop customer-facing team members, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to deliver an exceptional Southampton customer welcome.
Training begins with a formal introduction and welcome session from city ambassador partners and city councillors Satvir Kaur and Sarah Bogle.
The apprentice ambassadors will embark on various guided tours and other activities to discover more about the heritage, culture and diversity of the city.
Businesses such as Costa, Novotel, The Grand, Westquay and Peter Cooper have already got involved as they look to upskill their staff and embrace the local pride initiative.
Employers are entitled to funding from the Government to pay for apprenticeship training and the City Ambassador Programmes activities.
Find out more at kiwieducation.co.uk
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