Twelve hospitality students of the Anguilla Community College (ACC) have been assigned as interns at four major hotels to pursue a stint of twelve weeks training, mainly in the field of culinary arts. The hotels providing the hands-on training are Aurora Resort & Golf Club, Belmomd Cap Juluca, Malliouhana Auberge Resort and Four Seasons Resorts and Residencies.
A press conference was held at the College on Tuesday afternoon, February 22, to acquaint the public with the initiative. Addressing the meeting, the President of the ACC, Dr. Kenneth Williams, said: “The ACC, in its mandate for providing relevant education services of the highest standard, conducts Technical and Vocational Education Centre (TVEC) training. One of the characteristics of our TVEC programme is to offer both school-based and work-based practice.
“This work experience programme is an experientially-based and applied approach to learning. The hospitality industry is a very important industry in Anguilla, and I believe that the Anguilla Community College, by engaging in this work experience, is ensuring that our students get the opportunity to see what the working world is like before they actually start to work in their field.
“When the students would enter the world of work, therefore, they would be very clear about what would be expected of them. This work experience programme will enable them to see the standards, help them rise to the occasion, and assist them in engaging well with their colleagues.”
Director of Hospitality, Ms. Sharon Richardson, said: “This work experience programme provides our students with an excellent opportunity to apply what they are doing in the classroom to a real, hands-on setting in the workplace.
“We are looking forward to this programme growing. Even some of our students from previous years, who may not be employed as yet, can also get an opportunity to benefit from this programme of learning while they work. The hotels involved will get a good chance to start to groom talent in order to meet the needs of the industry.”
“So, in all,” Ms. Richardson said, “this is a mutually beneficial arrangement. We are training them in the soft skills such as customer service, being organised, and giving them career guidance. When they go to be engaged at the properties they would be honing those skills and working towards building a career in hospitality, which is one of the most dynamic industries.
“At this time, I would like to express thanks to the properties who have so willingly partnered with us to carry out this initiative.”
Mr. Chris Richardson is the Director of Learning and Development at Aurora Resorts. He was on hand to welcome the students and give them courage as they venture out into the workplace: “I wish to commend the College for this initiative. I recall some years ago, when I was a board member here at the College, one of the sites that we were looking at for a practical school was the old Cinnamon Reef Hotel. That, though, did not happen.
“However, I have always looked forward to this time when students can go into the industry and gain experience in their field of endeavour. The hospitality sector is a very fascinating world. The culinary aspect of hospitality is a key area in this industry. Working in this field, one can have a highly paid occupation.”
He noted that there are a lot of new things happening in the hospitality sector, and he encouraged the students to step in and take advantage of the opportunity to excel in this arena. “We are actually here for you,” he told them. “I wish you well as you take on this new endeavour.”
One of the interns, Ms. Ovinique Headley, shared what she expected of the work experience programme: “I expect this work experience to benefit our professional development and personal lives. I am sure that being able to work in the industry for a short period of time will give us a taste of what the working world is like. It will provide us with an opportunity to explore possible career choices in hospitality.
“This programme would help us to gain more knowledge in the hospitality field by working and conversing with persons who are active members of the hotels’ staff. It will also help us to obtain work ethics, techniques and styles. Besides, it will help us to understand how to be good team players and possible leaders. Moreover, it will give us a chance to offer our products and services to our beloved customers. In addition, it will enable us to develop independence and self-confidence.
“So, on behalf of the Anguilla Community College students, I would like to thank all of the participating hotels for providing us with this great opportunity.”
