Ayla determined to take the hospitality industry by storm
Although she is only in her final school year, she has set career goals for the future.
She has been taught that the hospitality industry is a hard one and that only the toughest survive, but Magaliesburg resident Ayla Pogue, 18, is determined to show that she has what it takes to make it in the trade.
Pogue took a successful first step in proving her worth by competing in a bursary competition hosted by the International Hotel School (IHS) recently.
The competition creates an opportunity for matric pupils to win 100 per cent of their tuition fees for any IHS programme they wish to study.
Prizes total close to R750 000 and is an ideal opportunity for scholars wanting to get into the industry.
Round one saw entrants having to complete four days’ work experience and a project, after which selections were made for a certain number of pupils proceeding through to the semifinal round.
From the semifinals round, six finalists were chosen in the Johannesburg leg to participate in a five-day hospitality boot camp.
The camp provides pupils with an opportunity to experience something of each department within a hotel.
Pogue was handpicked and instructed to pack her bags for the boot camp.
“I am determined to prove myself in the trade because I love hospitality and people, and I feel that working with people and helping them enjoy their holidays are much better than sitting behind a desk all day, “she says.
For her, winning the bursary would be fulfilling her dream. “But even if I don’t win, my dream is not going to change,” she concludes.
