New South Wales High School Students Win Scholarship and Apprenticeship Prizes With Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney

At a gala dinner in Sydney last week two New South Wales High School students won a Scholarship and Apprenticeship with Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney through its “High Flyers” program.

Seth Zworestine from Masada College won the Apprenticeship prize of a Certificate III Commercial Cookery and Melissa Keys from Cherrybrook Technology High School won the Scholarship prize of a Diploma in Hospitality Management.

“High Flyers” is a competitive program targeted at Year 12 hospitality students throughout Sydney and is now in its third successful year.  The program is an industry school partnership operating in conjunction with Kenvale College.  The NSW Business Chamber coordinated the program through their Regional Industry Careers Advisor, Melody Green.

This year saw a record number of entries in the competition.  Entries involved a written submission followed by an interview.  As a result of the overwhelming response the number of finalist spots increased to 20 from 15 last year.  The finalists competed against each other through weeks of training that culminated in the presentation of a gala dinner at which the winners were announced. 

Peter Tudehope, General Manager of Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney said: “We are so proud to have been able to create such a unique collaborative industry school program.  It’s vital that the industry gives back to the community by providing stepping stones for the careers of our future leaders.  To now be in our third successful year shows an outstanding commitment all round”.  As further proof of his own commitment to the education and training of the stars of tomorrow last month Peter Tudehope received a National Tourism Legend award from Tourism Training Australia.

Tania Stevenson, Human Resource Manager said: “Every year we see the standard of applicants excel the previous year, but this year in particular the calibre was outstanding.  The High Flyers program provides a unique entry into the hospitality industry and the enthusiasm and dedication displayed this year was exceptional and of course made choosing the winners even more challenging”.

Planning for the High Flyers 2010 intake is already underway, details will be available to schools in early 2010. 

Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney is an intimate, boutique style, five-star hotel located within a beautifully restored heritage listed building located in the heart of the city.  The 362 room upscale property defines relaxed elegance.