This February, Hotelplan UK’s ski and snowboard holiday tour operators, Inghams and Esprit launched an initiative in partnership with young person’s charity, Snow Camp, which aims to support inner-city young people with apprenticeships, internships, qualifications and opportunities in snow sports.
“Without diversity and inclusion initiatives like these many young people would not have the access or confidence to broaden their horizons through snow sports,” an Inghams spokesperson explained.
Young people from Manchester, Midlands, London and Glasgow, completed UK-based apprentice schemes with Snow Camp, before travelling to Val-d’Isère’s. Here they experienced life in resort with tour operator hosts, Inghams and Esprit. They were also joined by British Snowboard Olympian, Jamie Nicholls, who himself grew up in Bradford, skiing dry slopes and in indoor snow centres, far from snowy mountains and is a Snow Camp ambassador.
“It’s so important that we break down the boundaries and support people who otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to experience the amazing opportunities working in and enjoying snow sports can bring. Snowboarding and the industry can provide so much more than just fun on the snow, it’s about life skills and lifestyle too,” said Jamie.
Looking to broaden horizons and open doors for these young people, Inghams and Esprit provided the apprentices with a taste of ski season living, exposure to mountain based career pathways, plus ski and snowboard lessons to enjoy the slopes.
The first group of apprentices are now armed with new life skills and mountain experiences that have inspired them to seek further snow sport industry opportunities—and Inghams and Esprit are already planning to host another group of young apprentices in the Alps next winter.
The tour operators are also offering a 12 month internship in the Inghams and Esprit UK head office to give one of the 2023/24 Snow Camp apprentices first-hand experience of working in the industry and a career progression they had never imagined.
“Snow Camp takes disadvantaged inner-city kids and transforms their lives through snowsports, but for me the most important part is how so many young people who have been through some really difficult times, become part of something together and share their struggles with each other, realising they are not alone. The bonds that are formed throughout the programmes are unique and life-changing,” said apprentice, Max Conway, adding, “The opportunity to go out to Val D’Isère was amazing, I learned so much about the industry thanks to Inghams and Esprit, and got the chance to snowboard with inspiring athlete, Jamie Nicholls.”
“We are committed to increasing exposure and opening up career opportunities for all young people in the UK. No matter your background, gender or ethnicity, we welcome you to experience the joy of working a season with us. This initiative is just the first step in doing more to support young people’s snow sports and travel industry careers,” said Hotelplan’s Director of Human Resources, Nicky Lyle.
Image top, Left to right Top – Helen Taylor (Inghams and Esprit), Bilal Ali (apprentice), Max Conway (apprentice), Daniella Hyman (apprentice), Calum Shovlin (apprentice), Omar Ibrahim (apprentice), Alex Hodgkiss (apprentice), Pete Henson (Inghams & Esprit). Left to right bottom – Jamie Nicholls (Olympic Snowboarder), Josh Clayton Turley (apprentice), Lamar Marie (apprentice), Toni Bullock (apprentice), and Damien Cashinella (Inghams & Esprit).
Credits: Inghams, Esprit and Work a Season
