Tenby Museum and Art Gallery has recently completed an extensive programme of training, utilising awards gained from a nationwide competition 'Stars in Our Field' organised by the Tourism Training Forum for Wales.
The museum's hon. curator, John Beynon, was invited to take part in a presentation to launch the Tourism Training Forum for Wales as a new independent body at an event held recently in Cardiff.
Jane Davidson AM, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, joined leading figures from the Welsh tourism industry to mark the formal launch. At a two-centre internet linked event in Cardiff and Llandudno, representatives from tourism and leisure businesses discussed the role of education and training in the tourism industry.
Other speakers at the event included Jonathan Jones, chief executive of the Wales Tourist Board, and Chris Jackson, chair of the Tourism Training Forum for Wales.
Tenby Museum was invited to make a presentation outlining the use of training and education to boost its business.
The training of all staff and volunteers has been at the forefront of Tenby Museum's activities, playing a significant part in the museum's business plans from 1995 onwards.
Since that time, increased training opportunities have enabled museum officers to extend their professional development and provided facilities for several programmes of in-house and external training.
An emphasis has been placed on partnership with external organisations and government led training programmes.
The prizes awarded to the museum in the competition have further extended training opportunities in professional development and specialised training in information technology.
Newly-acquired skills such as publishing and improved presentation techniques have greatly increased the confidence of staff and volunteers at the museum and motivate them to continue to improve standards throughout the organisation.