Serving it right

The hospitality sector is poised for good times ahead. A list of courses that can help you land a good job in the industry.

November 23, 2014 04:38 pm | Updated November 24, 2014 03:28 pm IST

Practical training in hotels is a must in hospitality programmes

Practical training in hotels is a must in hospitality programmes

The hospitality industry in India is on the verge of a rapid expansion. Tourism — both international and domestic will be a strong area of focus in the coming years. The facility of being able to get a visa on arrival is being considered and the processes finalised. It is an established fact that countries which introduced this facility have seen inbound tourist arrivals double in the first two years.

Bright future

It is estimated that the number of branded hotel rooms will double in the next five years. This expansion is across all hotel segments and in all cities and states in the country. It naturally follows that there will be a corresponding increase in new job opportunities and rapid growth for those who are already a part of the industry, as new hotels will chase experienced staff to lead their businesses.

The global success of Indian hotel companies, the exposure to the hospitality industry via food, travel and lifestyle television channels and the increasing number of success stories of Indian hoteliers has resulted in the hospitality industry being viewed as a realistic career option for students.

Courses

The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development, established in 1966, through its three-year STEP programme (designed for high school graduates) and the two-year Post Graduate Management Programme (designed for undergraduates) grooms associates through a combination of academic instruction and comprehensive on-the-job training.

The three-year STEP programme is designed for students completing high school.

It combines on-the-job learning with study towards a Bachelor of Tourism Studies degree from the Indira Gandhi National Open University. Trainees are provided with assistance in the form of study materials and dedicated time to prepare for the exams for their undergraduate degree.

Now in its 11th year, the STEP programme offers students the opportunity to acquire all-round and specialised skills and knowledge in all departments of a hotel. The Hotel Operations Programme offers training in the three operations departments of food and beverage, front office and housekeeping.

The Kitchen Operations Programme includes training in Western and Indian kitchens besides orientation in specialised sections such as bakery, pastry and the cold kitchen.

Unlike other hospitality education programmes, STEP focuses on practical training in hotels. No fee is payable by the students selected for the STEP programme. Instead, The Oberoi Group offers a monthly allowance, accommodation, meals on duty, uniform and medical insurance.

The Post Graduate Management Programme is a benchmark for excellence. Associates are groomed through a structured curriculum of academic study which includes general management and hospitality. The programme also provides practical experience at Oberoi group hotels that have been rated amongst the best in the world. The programme is designed to facilitate the personal and professional growth of associates into consummate hoteliers. Successfully completing the programme forms the foundation for a distinguished career with the group. 

The writer is Dean - The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development

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