A record 415 participants from the hospitality and tourism sector across the Turks & Caicos Islands have completed a 24-day intensive training programme facilitated by the CHTA Education Foundation.
The national Caribbean Supercharged Service training series was executed in partnership with the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) and a milestone in both organisations’ history as the largest training project undertaken.
Over the course of five weeks, instructors Louise John and Suzanne Shillingford-Brooks provided hands-on, service-centered training for housekeepers, maintenance technicians, pool & beach specialists, grounds men, front of house team members, F&B servers and bartenders, supermarket personnel and the TCI Border Force.
“The island is now ablaze with all the positive comments regarding Caribbean Supercharged Service Training!” commented CEO of TCHTA, Stacy Cox. “Our members’ feedback shows great appreciation for this timely positive energy and service focused boost that we are proud to have partnered with the CHTA Education Foundation to deliver immediately before high season. We will certainly partner with the Education Foundation again next year for more energetic, effective service magic!”
Education Foundation trainer Louise John explained that sessions were tailored to meet participants’ needs.
“While the foundation has a menu of standardised training programmes developed for the Caribbean’s hospitality sector, what makes it so impactful is that we are able to deliver based on where the island is in its service journey,” he said. “Having that flexibility increases the participants’ ability to grasp and quickly implement what they have learnt.”
Among the captivating sessions delivered for a multitude of TCHTA accommodation and allied member businesses were “Heartfelt Guest Care”, “Happy Housekeepers”, “Realistic Leadership”, “F&B Knowledge & Service Basics”, “Roving Guest Ambassadors”, and “007 Secret Care Agents”.
The Shore Club Beverages Supervisor, Raushan Smith, said his team was a mix of new employees who needed exposure to Food and Beverage training.
“We’re going to be consistent and enforce what we learned. Some of them have never done a wine tasting and now they know,” he said.
Diane Higgs, Human Resource Manager of Ocean Club Resorts, the original condo resort on Grace Bay, was thrilled with the training provided for all her team.
“The impact of the work by the CHTA Education Foundation trainers Louise and Suzanne will be felt for a very long time. Caribbean Supercharged Service training has been an incredible opportunity for all our team to participate; the pertinence of the message, combined with the passion and knowledge of the trainers, has encouraged, and lifted us all,” she said.
Chairwoman of CHTA Education Foundation Karolin Troubetzkoy, pointed out the significance of the programme’s timing.
“We are incredibly proud of this milestone in our 36-year history and pleased that the Education Foundation was able to deliver a five-week comprehensive training in partnership with TCHTA and the various properties, businesses and government across the Turks and Caicos Islands. The open and honest communication with the team at the TCHTA enabled us to deliver training that met the needs of their member properties and hospitality workers that participated in the programme,” she said.
The work of the CHTA Education Foundation is made possible through partnerships with national organizations, annual fundraising drives such as the Online Caribbean Hotel Raffle, Caribbean Travel Auction, and industry sponsors.
