The Cayman Islands School of Hospitality Studies, now in its second month of operation at the University College of the Cayman Islands, is doing “fantastic” comments Tourism Ministry Councillor, Mr. Joey Hew, MLA.

As part of the programme, pupils attend classes and visit hospitality industry partners to get a firm grounding in the areas of operation of the modern hospitality industry. The first cohort of 25 students received full scholarships, including: books, tuition and uniforms.

Mr. Hew extols the partnership between the Tourism and Education Ministries, the University College of the Cayman Islands, the Cayman Islands Tourism Association and the private sector that has characterised this venture.

As a result, the Councillor explained, when the students begin their practical training at local hotels and restaurants, they would be placed in curriculum-based on-the-job training. This curriculum he adds having been created with input from all partners, notably the industry.

He says the main aim of the programme is to help the younger generation of Caymanians gain experience of the opportunities available to them within a vital, vibrant industry, in careers such as food preparation, food and beverage service, purchasing, management, customer service and marketing.

Catch a segment of his discussion of the new hospitality school by tuning into CIG TV, today (Wednesday, 8 October 2014) throughout the evening on Weststar Channel 20 and Logic Channel 23. The full report will also be aired later on the Cayman Islands Government You Tube channel.

Hospitality Course

Students at the School of Hospitality Studies are getting training provided by lecturers of the UCCI and speciality teachers from the hospitality industry, Director of Hospital Studies Mr. Wayne Jackson says.

Training towards the one year certification course began on 1 September and the next semester starts in January. The course is open to high school completers between 17-23 years. The students receive 4.5 hours of theory lessons a day, three days a week and 14-15 hours of practical training a week.

Following the course, they can transfer to an Associate Degree programme that is also available at UCCI.

Some 100 companies in the hospitality industry have signed up as partners in the programme.

Photo caption: Photo by Bina Mani (GIS)

Tourism Ministry Councillor and MLA, Mr. Joey Hew