Twenty young people from Antigua and Barbuda has successfully completed a 10-week training exercise at the Sandals Grande Antigua, a program that is currently in its 15^th year

The young future hospitality workers were given an opportunity to sharpen their skills in the tourism industry through in-depth training

About 1,500 young Antiguans have passed through the program since its inception

Assistant Training and Development Manager Thalia Thomas for 2023, over 70 trainees have participated in the program, which she described as highly competitive

“Our hope is to see more young locals taking advantage of this opportunity,” she said

During the program, participants were afforded an opportunity to work in several departments across the resort where they are coached by a departmental trainer to learn its operations.

Sandals said in a statement that the “personalized approach ensures that trainees are exposed to the company’s highest standards and best practices in all aspects of guest relations, housekeeping, food and beverage, accounting, cost control, public relations, front office, club sandals concierge, sales, maintenance, and watersports”

They were also exposed to life skills sessions including financial management, speaking, decision making and resume writing

Trainees also receive a stipend in addition to meals and transportation for the duration of the program.

All twenty trainees graduated from the program with a certificate of completion, a personal reference letter, and special prizes and awards for their performance during the last 10-weeks of training.

Two of the trainees were selected to continue employment at Sandals

Training and Development Manager Carlene Spencer said, Sandals is always happy when those who are trained by the company form part of the employment team

“This shows there is place for young people within the hospitality industry and here at Sandals. We are unable hire every trainee who comes through our program but we do have relationships with other reputable companies and industry stakeholders who contact us to recommend persons from our pool of trainees for full-time employment within their organizations,” she said