National Careers Week: Building Staffordshire’s Tourism Workforce

National Careers Week 2026 (2nd-7th March 2026) spotlights the rewarding careers that underpin our visitor economy in Staffordshire.

With a wide range of opportunities in tourism, hospitality, retail, beauty, this is an industry built on investing in people, developing transferrable skills, and working in beautiful, uplifting environments. 

Tourism remains a major pillar of the UK economy, supporting millions of jobs nationwide and offering long-term, resilient career pathways for people of all ages.

Here in Staffordshire, our attractions, employers and education partners continue to work together to ensure people can access these opportunities — and that businesses can grow with confidence.

A Strong Foundation: Staffordshire’s Visitor Economy

Staffordshire’s visitor economy is powered by a distinctive blend of beautiful landscape, culture and heritage and world‑class attractions that draw visitors’ year‑round. Key destinations include:

• Alton Towers Resort
• Drayton Manor Resort
• Trentham Estate
• National Memorial Arboretum
• Peak District National Park
• Cannock Chase Forest
• World of Wedgwood
• McArthurGlen West Midlands  
• Emma Bridgewater Factory
• The Moat House Acton Trussell

These destinations form the backbone of an industry contributing £2.7bn annually and supporting 24,000 local jobs across the county.

This demand fuels employment across accommodation, restaurants, events, attractions, leisure facilities and wellness services — creating thousands of opportunities every year for people entering or progressing within the sector.

High‑Demand Career Pathways

Hospitality & Event Management

Hospitality roles continue to be in high demand across Staffordshire.

Careers in this area offer stability, progression and the chance to work in diverse settings such as hotels, resorts, attractions and leisure venues.

Events‑related roles are also growing, with local colleges and universities preparing learners for careers across conferences, festivals, weddings and venue management.

These roles offer the chance to work in fast‑paced, creative environments where no two days are ever the same, and where you can help design experiences that stay with people for a lifetime.

With opportunities ranging from intimate private events to large‑scale attractions and themed experiences, this field is ideal for those who thrive on bringing ideas to life and delivering unforgettable moments for audiences and guests.

Catering and Kitchen Careers

Chef and catering roles remain among the most in demand across the county, offering:

• Competitive pay — with many chef roles reaching £17–£20 per hour
• Flexible working patterns
• Opportunities for leadership progression
• Roles across education, care, hospitality, leisure and tourism

These roles offer long-term stability in a sector known for its transferable skills and career mobility.

Spa, Beauty and Wellness

The wellness sector continues to grow, supported by increasing consumer demand and strong local employers. Careers in this field include:

• Beauty therapy
• Spa and wellness services
• Holistic and wellbeing roles
• Salon and spa management

National insights indicate rising numbers of younger workers and strong growth in independent beauty businesses — all contributing to a vibrant local sector.

Developing Local Talent: Colleges and Universities Leading the Way

A strong workforce begins with strong education pathways.

Staffordshire’s colleges and universities play a vital role in preparing skilled, work‑ready individuals for the visitor economy.

The University of Staffordshire

The University of Staffordshire’s Visitor Attraction & Resort Management degree is unique in the UK, and its Tourism and Events pathways along with its postgraduate offering in International Tourism, Hospitality and Events give students access to live projects, employer collaborations and specialist facilities.

Graduates leave with the strategic, digital and operational expertise required for careers in attractions, resorts, hotels, events, destination management and visitor experience leadership.

Courses - University of Staffordshire

Keele University

Keele University develops future talent for the tourism, hospitality and events sectors through industry‑focused programmes delivered within Keele Business School.

Its Business Management with International Tourism degree explores destination marketing, global travel trends and sustainable tourism practices, supported by opportunities for placements and study abroad.

Keele also provides Business Management with Events and Business Management with Hospitality, giving students practical experience through real‑world projects and industry links.

At postgraduate level, the MSc International Tourism and Hospitality Management develops advanced skills in sustainable tourism and digital innovation.

Stoke‑on‑Trent College

Stoke on Trent College delivers specialist training for the visitor economy through programmes in hospitality, catering, hair and beauty, and customer‑facing services.

Learners gain real experience in commercial settings, including the Hammersley Restaurant and fully equipped public‑access salons.

With industry‑led teaching, employer masterclasses and practical apprenticeships, the College develops confident chefs, hospitality staff, spa professionals and service specialists ready for roles across Staffordshire’s growing tourism sector.

Courses Archive - Stoke-on-Trent College :Stoke-on-Trent College

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) has sites in Newcastle, Stafford, and Leek, and provides extensive training routes aligned to tourism and hospitality careers, offering professional kitchens, the award‑winning Riverbank Restaurant and employer‑recognised apprenticeship pathways.

With strong provision in hospitality, catering, travel, business and wellness, learners gain hands‑on experience and develop the operational, service and supervisory skills valued by hotels, restaurants, events venues and tourism businesses across the county.

View All Courses | NSCG

South Staffordshire College

South Staffordshire College delivers practical programmes in hospitality, professional cookery, travel and tourism, and beauty and wellness across its Tamworth, Lichfield and Rodbaston campuses.

With real‑world training environments and clear progression routes, the College helps learners build the service, culinary, customer‑care and sector‑specific skills needed for careers in tourism, hospitality, aviation and spa settings.

Homepage – South Staffordshire College

Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC)

Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) strengthens the region’s visitor‑economy workforce through industry‑focused courses in catering, hospitality and travel & tourism.

Students train in the Mulberry Restaurant & Bistro and gain experience through trips, guest speakers and lecturers with real travel, hotel and aviation backgrounds.

With pathways up to Level 3, BSDC prepares learners for careers as chefs, events supervisors, hotel staff, cabin crew, travel agents, tourism officers and airport ground personnel.

Subjects | Burton and South Derbyshire College

How Businesses Can Get Involved in National Careers Week

National Careers Week is an ideal opportunity for tourism businesses to inspire future talent. Employers are encouraged to:

• Promote job vacancies and career pathways
• Host open days or behind‑the‑scenes tours
• Partner with colleges and universities
• Offer work experience and taster sessions
• Share staff success stories
• Highlight apprenticeships and training opportunities
• Communicate workplace culture, values and benefits

These actions strengthen recruitment pipelines, support retention and raise awareness of the diverse opportunities available in the visitor economy.

Working Together for a Stronger Visitor Economy

National Careers Week is about more than recruitment — it’s about shaping a future-ready workforce that can support Staffordshire’s growth ambitions for years to come.

By collaborating across industry, education and local partnerships, we can:

• Inspire the next generation
• Retain local talent
• Support business development
• Enhance the quality of visitor experiences

Staffordshire’s tourism sector is powered by people. This National Careers Week, let’s champion the opportunities available, celebrate our workforce, and continue building a visitor economy that benefits businesses, communities and visitors alike.

For more information: National Careers Week | National Careers Service