A bright batch of Bahraini bellboys, front desk clerks and kitchen staff has officially joined the hospitality work force after completing an on-site training programme at a popular five-star hotel.
The three-month hospitality training programme launched by Tamkeen, the kingdom’s labour fund, was formed to provide individuals with hands-on skills required to succeed in the tourism and hotel industry.
Out of 750 applicants, 24 young adults aged18 and above were selected to join The Westin Bahrain City Centre team to gain the knowledge and experience needed to survive in the hospitality world.
The graduates, including 23 men and a woman, were also given further certification and guidance by management consultancy and corporate training services Third Wave International (TWI) along with the teachings of Australian William Angliss Institute that provides training and vocational education in hospitality, tourism and culinary arts.
Dilip de S Wijeyeratne, the joint managing director and chief executive officer of TWI, said: “It’s basically a programme that empowers local nationals through employment with a five-star hotel such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre and The Westin Bahrain City Centre, which then enables them to embark on a career in hospitality.
“These students are employed by the hotel, funded by Tamkeen and receive consulting as well as hospitality training and know-how through us and William Angliss. After they graduate and receive their certification, some stay on with the hotel while others can choose to join other hotels or companies.”
These alumnae are following in the footsteps of the first 15 to successfully take part in the programme last year at the Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre.
According to Amal Al Kooheji, vice president of Human Capital Development at Tamkeen, they are extremely proud of the graduates who recently completed the programme.
She said: “Twenty-four is a very good number to have for a batch of candidates in the hospitality sector which is a difficult one to penetrate. It’s because the hotel industry is a very highly expat-driven sector and we think that Bahrainis don’t find it very attractive. That is why we are very pleased to see the numbers of candidates grow from last year and to see how well the first batch has maintained and sustained itself in the market. In fact, a few of them have risen up the career ladder and took up supervisory roles as well.
“I think we can call this a success story. This is our second experience to conduct a customised employment scheme where William Angliss have contributed towards the training and on-the-job supervision. It’s a blended learning approach which we have found extremely beneficial to the trainees themselves and for this specific industry.
“I think this has been a successful model, a successful partnership and we look to many more with other hotels in Bahrain, where Tamkeen can partner up and make a difference.”
Aside from conducting the programme at The Westin Bahrain City Centre the initiative was also introduced in co-operation with Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa.
During the programme, the candidates learned about situation responsiveness, customer care and teamwork communication amongst other skills such as safety, reception, catering, operations and more. Klaus Niefer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts complex general manager, said: “We are very proud to be associated with this programme which has been a great success.
“We not only help them grow within the hotel but also internationally, in the Middle East and beyond because hospitality is a worldwide business. Some of the candidates that joined us used to work in other industries but want to try their hand at hospitality so taking part in this is a really good and effective start for them because it’s classroom-style and also relies on on-the-job and practical experience. I think it’s great because it also gives them permanent employment while learning.”
Graduate Adnan Abdulameer Al Bunni, 24, from Jidhafs, is thankful for the programme and will stay on with the hotel. The former sales executive said: “I originally started in sales, so when I joined it really helped me excel further. In sales you deal with people and building relations which is why I thought the hospitality sector would be a good fit because I love dealing with people.
“This programme has truly helped me and the team a lot and benefited us in our work place. We thought we knew the basics of working in a hotel but it is a lot more complex than it looks.
“One of the greatest things that we learned is how to handle ourselves when faced with an emergency.
“We also learned many other skills and traits through the programme so I thank them on behalf of myself and the other students for such a great experience. I worked in the lobby in the front desk. I was taught how to converse with guests. I am not saying that I didn’t know how to speak to guests or socialise before, but this programme has taught me other ways to get my point across in a professional and courteous manner. For example, I learned how to keep my cool and not lose my temper when faced with a problem. This programme taught me patience.
“Working in the hospitality business is unlike any other industry and requires a silver tongue and a diplomatic touch. You need to be knowledgeable about what’s happening in the market to recommend to the guests and be able to help them with whatever they need.
“I want to thank Tamkeen, The Westin, Williams and Angliss and Third Wave International for everything they have done for us.”
A third group of candidates will start at The Westin Bahrain City Centre in late September.
