Hospitality isn’t just a job – make it your future

Real experience. Real progression. Funded Pathways.

We’re excited to be launching a series of fully funded courses, in partnership with The Holywood Trust, designed to upskill young people aged 15 to 25 within Dumfries and Galloway, who are building their future in the hospitality industry.

If you are aged 15 to 25 either currently working within the hospitality sector, or preparing to start a career within the hospitality sector, you may qualify to join the courses below fully funded.

To book a course: Training Booking Form – Funded by Holywood Trust

If you are an employer looking to upskill your employees as part of this programme, please use the booking form from the following page: Hospitality Skills for Employers


Coastal Benefit Fund

Looking to take the next step in your hospitality career? In partnership with Springboard, we offer training and development opportunities designed specifically for people aged 25 and over living and working in coastal communities.

Whether you’re already employed in hospitality or looking to start a new career, you’ll gain access to industry-recognised training and practical skills development to help you progress with confidence. From customer service to leadership skills, our programme is here to help you unlock your potential, grow your career, and become part of a thriving coastal hospitality workforce.

Invest in your future. Develop new skills. Build a rewarding career in hospitality.

Coastal Areas:

Nith Estuary / Solway Coast

Caerlaverock

· Cummertrees & Cummertrees West

· Eastriggs, Dornock & Creca

· Gretna & Rigg

· Kingholm Quay

· Kirkbean

· New Abbey

· Royal Burgh of Annan

· Ruthwell & Clarencefield

· Southerness

· Troqueer Landward

Stewartry (Kirkcudbrightshire coast)

Auchencairn

· Borgue

· Buittle Parish

· Colvend & Southwick

· Dalbeattie

· Dundrennan

· Gatehouse of Fleet

· Kirkcolm (note: actually Wigtownshire geographically, but included in list)

· Royal Burgh of Kirkcudbright & District

Wigtownshire / Machars / Rhins

Cairnryan

· Cree Valley

· Garlieston

· Isle of Whithorn

· Kirkmabreck

· Kirkmaiden

· Leswalt

· Old Luce

· Port William

· Portpatrick

· Stoneykirk

· Stranraer

· Whithorn

· Wigtown & District

To book a course: Training Booking Form – Coastal Benefit Funding


Customer Service Roadshow

Highfield Level 2 Award in Customer Service

Join us for a practical and engaging training programme designed to help individuals build the skills and confidence needed to deliver outstanding customer service.

Funding is available through: • The Holywood Trust for eligible individuals aged 15-25 • D&G Coastal Benefits Fund via Springboard for eligible individuals aged 25+ living within qualifying coastal communities.

This nationally recognised qualification provides learners with the knowledge and practical understanding needed to deliver exceptional customer experiences, communicate effectively, and handle customer enquiries and complaints professionally. Suitable for a wide range of industries, the course helps build confidence, improve customer satisfaction, and enhance workplace performance.

For course entry requirements and content – Click here

Date Venue
17th August 2026DGC Dumfries Campus
24th August 2026DGC Stranraer Campus
31st August 2026Annan Athletic
7th September 2026Rock and Wheels, Dalbeattie
14th September 2026The Merse, Wigtown
21st September 2026The Selkirk Arms, Kirkcudbright
28th September 2026DGC Dumfries Campus
5th October 2026DGC Stranraer Campus

Places are limited, so early booking is strongly recommended.

To book a funded place: 15-25 year olds looking to start a career or upskill in hospitality – Funded by Holywood Trust

To book a funded place: Over 25’s living & Working in coastal area – Coastal Benefit Funding


Cooking Skills

Master Chef Experience

This course is ideal for anyone with a passion for food – especially aspiring chefs, or those considering a career in professional cookery.
This is an excellent opportunity for you to prepare for a career as a chef, or to simply learn and gain invaluable cooking skills.

Craft Baking

This courseis for anyone looking to develop their knowledge and skills of baking on a personal or professional level.

Food Hygiene

This course is aimed at all food handlers and is recommended by the local Environmental Health Department. This course is a SCQF Level 5

This course is designed for individuals in supervisory roles within the hospitality industry and those working in high-risk food environments. It comes highly recommended by local Environmental Health Officers for all supervisors of food handlers.

Front of House

REHIS Scottish Personal Licence Holders Certificate

The Certificate for Scottish Personal Licence Holders course is aimed at anyone who works or wants to work as a Personal Licence Holder in on-sales and off-sales premises.

Highfield Level 2 Award in Customer Service

Excellent customer service is at the heart of every successful business. The Highfield Level 2 Award in Customer Service is designed for individuals who are currently working in customer-facing roles or those looking to start a career where customer interaction is essential.

Other Courses

CMI Certificate in Principles of Management & Leadership Level 3

This course is designed for aspiring or practising managers who want to develop their leadership capabilities and gain a nationally recognised qualification. This course provides practical tools and insights to help you lead teams effectively, communicate with impact, and drive performance.

REHIS Elementary Cleaning & Disinfection

This course is aimed at those who have cleaning duties, or are responsible for the monitoring of cleaning practices within the workplace.

Highfield Award in Effective Auditing and Inspection

Aimed at those working in industries where verification, auditing (including internal auditing and supplier auditing), or inspections are undertaken, such as the food industry, this qualification provides learners with throretical knowledge on how to effectively carry out audits/inspections.

Got a question?

If you are interested in taking advantage of the funding, please email the team on shortcourses@dumgal.ac.uk or complete the below form.