More than 1,000 children discover future tourism opportunities

More than 1,000 children have experienced exciting career opportunities in tourism and hospitality thanks to Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Tourism Talent Pathfinder.

Over the past few months, the project has helped school students across Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd and Ynys Môn discover the vibrant and unique opportunities the sector has to offer in North Wales.

Top chefs and business owners visited schools to give inspiring talks, demonstrations and workshops which included tasting sessions, while children have benefited from work experience days at attractions such as Zip World, Portmeirion and the Royal Oak Hotel and Waterloo Hotel and Lodge, both in Betws y Coed.

School students were even invited to a once-in-a-lifetime ‘Chef’s Table’ evening with celebrity chef and Great British Menu winner Bryn Williams.

With the project having educated and inspired children across the region - as well as connecting them with businesses, industry experts and potential career pathways - here are some of the highlights from each county:

CONWY

Sixty high-school students from Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan, Ysgol Aberconwy, Ysgol Eirias and Ysgol y Creuddyn started 2025 with an adrenaline-fuelled trip behind the scenes of the adventure tourism industry at Zip World Fforest in Betws y Coed.

Students had a taste of customer support at the Tipi Bar, before experiencing the thrills of Zip World’s Fforest Coaster. They also took part in a ‘Build Your Own Site’ workshop, gaining insights into everything from front-of-house operations to the nitty-gritty of food, beverage, accommodation and transport.

In December, celebrity chef Bryn Williams provided a sprinkling of stardust, hosting a Chef’s Table experience for students from across the four counties at his Porth Eirias restaurant in Colwyn Bay.

All the children involved had been specially invited after showing dedication and promise in their culinary studies. They were treated to a gourmet three-course meal and an inspiring Q&A with Bryn in which he shared his journey from studying at Coleg Llandrillo to becoming a world-renowned chef.

Back in November, an inspiring careers day was held at Ysgol John Bright for 170 high-school students from across Conwy County. It started with a careers expo featuring Go Below Underground Adventures, Seibiant Coffi, Wave Garden Spa, Llandudno Museum, Llandudno Pier and RSPB Conwy, with Benjamin Lee Artisan Bakery providing beautiful breakfast pastries for learners to enjoy.

There was a live cookery demo by Signatures Executive Chef Jimmy Williams, double winner of the Best Welsh Restaurant Award, as well as a talk from Conwy Archives on the region’s rich tourism history, and even a magic show in which Chris Williams from Magic Bar Live talked about combining hospitality with entertainment.

Students also raced against the clock to create mouth-watering dishes in The School Food Showdown: Restaurant Rivals. This was one of several visits by the healthy eating roadshow to North Wales schools as part of the Tourism Talent Pathfinder project.

DENBIGHSHIRE

Students from Denbigh High School and Ysgol Dinas Brân got to be hoteliers for the day in an immersive hospitality work experience event at The Royal Oak Hotel in Betws y Coed.

After an engaging Q&A with food and beverage operations manager Cath Gabriel, in which they gained a real-world glimpse into the art of guest service, the students embarked on a behind-the-scenes tour of the multi-award winning hotel, which showcased the intricate operations that ensure every guest receives exceptional service.

They then took part in a shadowing session, giving the learners a close-up practical demonstration of daily operations including taking orders, serving drinks and the meticulous set-up of dining spaces.

The Tourism Talent Pathfinder project had previously visited Rhyl High School, where more than 400 children from schools in Rhyl and St Asaph were given a unique taste of the hospitality industry.

As well as taking part in The School Food Showdown, students watched a flambé and mocktails demonstration from Coleg Llandrillo student Rhian James, and made a quickfire risotto in less than an hour under the guidance of chef and hospitality lecturer Glenydd Hughes.

They were given activity booklets, healthy snacks, ingredients and cooking equipment to take home with them.

The students were also given an inspiring talk and demonstration by Signatures chef Jimmy Williams, who told them: “You can achieve anything if you change one thing - your mindset. You just have to put in the time and effort and have that passion.”

GWYNEDD

More than 250 students from across Gwynedd attended vibrant workshops at Ysgol Eifionydd, Ysgol Bro Idris and Ysgol Friars.

Among the highlights was The Restaurant Rivals challenge, led by Chef Ben from The Fun Food Company. Students were divided into teams and tasked with creating a new restaurant concept based on a secret ingredient provided by Chef Ben.

After the students presented their ideas to volunteer judges, four teams were chosen to create dishes from scratch in an exciting cook-off, gaining invaluable experience in teamwork, creativity and culinary skills.

The workshops featured chef demonstrations showcasing the benefits of locally and ethically sourced ingredients, from Sheeps and Leeks founder Paul Hearn, and Luke and Antonella of Foxglove restaurant in Barmouth.

There were also talks from the owners of businesses such as Coffi Dre, Gwyndy Tearooms and The Event Lounge, as well as Dylan Hughes, General Manager at The Warren Resort and Spa in Abersoch.

In November, Year 10 students from Ysgol Glan y Môr and Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle learned about the wide array of careers in the sector in a unique experience at Portmeirion.

Students were given a full tour and history of Portmeirion’s beautiful grounds and expansive views, before a series of practical, interactive activities including mocktail-making, housekeeping trials and learning the ropes of restaurant management.

Meanwhile, Year 10 students from Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen, Ysgol y Moelwyn and Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn showcased their media savvy in a work experience day at The Waterloo Hotel in Betws-y-Coed in December.

They were tasked by digital marketing specialist Lucy Rawes with creating campaigns to attract dog owners to stay at the hotel, allowing the students to develop their teamwork, communication and social media skills.

YNYS MÔN

Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones and Ysgol Bodedern students sated their sense of adventure with an unforgettable day at Zip World’s Penrhyn Quarry site in February.

Students started with a ‘Day in the Life’ activity - think kit-up, check-in, and a thrilling ride on the Quarry Flyer zipline. Then during the ‘Talent Unlocked’ workshop, the students went head-to-head in creating their own unique forest adventure activity.

These activities were designed to showcase just how dynamic and varied a career in adventure tourism can be, while reinforcing essential skills for life and work.

Ynys Môn students also learned about the remarkable rise of Halen Môn (Anglesey Sea Salt) during a full day of activities at Ysgol David Hughes in Menai Bridge.

Company ambassador Kim Jones shared the company’s journey from humble beginnings in a saucepan of seawater to being a favourite of chefs and food lovers worldwide - exemplifying the potential for innovation and excellence in the industry.

The event was attended by nearly 150 Year 8 pupils from Ysgol David Hughes, Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones, Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi and Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni.

It featured an engaging chef demonstration from the Barrie brothers of Y Marram Restaurant, a motivational talk by sustainability entrepreneur Becky Bevan, founder of Café Notos in Rhosneigr, a waffle-making workshop with Dessert Shack, and of course the ever-popular School Food Showdown.

There was also a career fair empowering pupils to connect with local businesses including Pilot House Café, Anglesey Adventures, Foel Farm Park, Halen Môn and Café Notos.

The Tourism Talent Pathfinder project aimed to raise the profile of careers in tourism and hospitality, strengthen the link between education and industry, and showcase to the next generation the skills, experiences, and exciting career potential the sector has to offer.

The project was part of the Tourism Talent Network, a collaboration between Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, Ambition North Wales and major tourism partners including Portmeirion, Zip World, the National Trust and Snowdonia Hospitality & Leisure Ltd. The Tourism Talent Network will revolutionise how tourism and hospitality skills are delivered in the region, positioning North Wales as a leader in sustainable tourism and hospitality innovation and education.