Pupils getting ready to leave school have been urged to think about careers in the hospitality industry by a guest speaker.

The sixth form at Barking’s Riverside School had a talk from Springboard hospitality charity’s 2009 Future Chef finalist Lucy Wigmore, who is now head of food at two Grocery Post shops in London.

“Hospitality is one of those careers that keeps you on your toes,” she told the pupils. “No two days are the same.

“Going into schools ensures the industry inspires the next generation to choose hospitality careers.”

Her presentation included teamwork skills to create a new concept for a hospitality business with prizes for the best ideas.

Riverside was one of the first schools chosen for the nationwide programme showing Year 10 and 11 pupils the industry’s careers and competitive salaries.

The aim is to improve perceptions of the industry after research revealed negative stereotypes prevents school leavers thinking of hospitality careers.