CHC Institute ofHotel Management empowers youth

The 6th batch of 11 students of the CHC Institute of Hotel Management completed both their theory and practical sessions in May and has now been placed at hotels within the group, according to a media release from the Galle Face Group (GFG). The CHC – Ceylon Hotels Corporation – which has a network of rest houses and hotels is owned by the GFG.

The seventh batch of 23 students commenced practical training last month at The Safari Hotel, The Lake Hotel and Polonnaruwa Lake House. Affiliated to the National Apprentice, Industrial and Training Authority (NAITA), the course spans 12 full months broken up into six months of theory and six months of practical training. The course is carried out under the guidance and management of General Manager of The Safari, Deepal Amerasinghe.

“The course itself which is conducted free of charge also includes special English and IT lessons which are con- ducted by NAITA lecturers. Hospitality management sessions are conducted by a full time trained lecturer. The biggest advantage for students is that practical training is conducted in a live atmosphere within luxury hotels and supervised by qualified and experienced executives, thereby giving the students a thorough knowledge of the hospitality and hotel management trade,” the release said.

Apart from the free sessions, the students, many of who come from financially challenged backgrounds and live in close proximity to the various properties, are also provided with free meals during the course and subsidised SLTB season tickets for their travelling. All students who complete the course are successfully given employment within the GHG, and have the option of selecting their trade after the initial theory classes. Upon placement, the students are able to draw a substantial monthly income and often become breadwinners for their families, the company said.

“The course project carried out at a cost of Rs. 1.5 million a year is an ongoing endeavour by the Galle Face Hotel group to not only uplift the livelihoods of those who live in and around its properties, but to also add employees of the highest calibre and expertise to the ever-growing tourism industry,” it said.