MIT CHATS wins top industry award

Thursday, 20 July 2006

Manukau Institute of Technology’s CHATS wins top industry award

Manukau Institute of Technology’s School of Catering and Hospitality Studies (CHATS), as a leading provider of hospitality education in New Zealand, won a top industry training award last week.

As a finalist in the Training Provider (Qualification Pathways) category of the prestigious 2006 Hospitality Standards Institute (HSI) Excellence in Training Awards, the school was pitted against tough competition. However, the school’s professional approach to education within the sector saw CHATS being recognised as the best hospitality training provider in New Zealand.

“It is an incredible achievement for CHATS and indicates what MIT offers its students – top level training that matches current trends and market demands,” says head of school, Johann Wohlmuther.

“What was really incredible about receiving the award on the night was the recognition from the industry, as well as from my colleagues across New Zealand, that the right institute won the award.”

HSI is the industry training organisation (ITO) for the hospitality sector and the awards, which were presented on Friday, 14 July at the Langham Hotel in Auckland, are the highest honour bestowed on hospitality training providers in New Zealand.

Johann says CHATS rated highly in all the judging criteria, which included: outstanding achievement in developing and promoting qualification pathways; the professional development opportunities offered for tutors and working with schools on curriculum alignment; and, establishing collaborative partnerships with relevant workplaces to ensure students have access to industry-relevant training, assessment and work opportunities.

Judges not only assess finalists on paper, but they also visit contenders to inspect their facilities first hand.

CHATS is a purpose-built restaurant and hotel training facility, which combines the latest technology with lecturers whose up-to-date experience in the industry, backed by academic expertise, take students' training beyond the confines of theory and the classroom into the real world.

ENDS

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