Student achievement celebrated at hotel conference

MEDIA RELEASE
Date: 8 May 2008
EMBARGOED UNTIL 12NOON 8 MAY 2008

Student’s achievement celebrated at hotel conference

Eighteen months of study while working full-time has paid off for the first person to complete New Zealand’s National Diploma in Hospitality (Operational Management Level 5) via the NZ Hotel Council’s Corporate Traineeship programme.

Christie Wilson of Auckland’s Stamford Plaza is being presented with a special award from the Hospitality Standards Institute (HSI) at the New Zealand Hotel Council’s annual conference today (Thursday 8 May 2008) for being the first person to complete the qualification, specialising in the Food and Beverage strand.

Eileen Oliver-Free, General Manager of training provider Artisan Consulting, says Christie had funded her study herself while working full-time as a food and beverage attendant at the Stamford Plaza.

The diploma enables people working full-time to achieve industry-based qualifications while still working, and includes business mentoring.

HSI’s Chief Executive, Steve Hanrahan, says the programme is a good model that recognises the value gained through a mix of on-job and off-job training. “It’s a great scheme and we’re pleased that most major hotel companies want to be involved. It’s very cost-effective and helps staff to continue developing their skills while still working,” Mr Hanrahan says.

The qualification is endorsed by the New Zealand Hotel Council and is seen as a tool to profile the Hotel sector as a long term career option, says NZHC Chief Executive Mark Oldershaw.

“Staffing shortages of both skilled and unskilled workers are by far our biggest issue and this qualification is a long term fix for highlighting the industry as a real career path,” Mr Oldershaw says.

“Christie is a great example of someone who is smart and eager to learn and through this qualification now has a great career ahead of her. She is a rising star within the industry”.

ENDS

© Scoop Media