The Tribune

SANDALS Royal Bahamian will retain 70 per cent of the 22 individuals who graduated from its Hospitality Training Programme yesterday.

Patrick Drake, general manager of the resort, touted this latest group of HTP graduates as some of the best to have ever come through the programme.

And the process to find those 22 individuals began with a room of more than 140 people vying for a spot.

The HTP programme is a chance for individuals to receive hospitality training throughout the various departments at Sandals’ prestigious resort property.

However, their training repertoire is not limited to the jobs found around hotels and resorts, but includes life skills such as interviewing and etiquette.

“It’s not tomorrow you start being a star… it is the first day, the first moment,” Mr Drake told the HTP graduates during the graduation ceremony.

“You never know when the opportunities are going to open up, so don’t close your eyes or just look straight all the time and not recognise when there’s an opportunity. Use what you’ve learned and continue to ask questions.”

Clayton Panza, an HTP graduate who was interviewed for a permanent position, said he would encourage anyone to take part in the programme.

“It was a good programme and I am really grateful that they allowed me to work within my desired field,” he said. “I feel confident right now (that I will be hired).”

Charles Deveaux Jr and Blair-Ashley Smith, who both spoke on behalf of the HTP class at the ceremony, said they will now be able to apply what they have learned as they move through life.

“This is another milestone on the road to success,” said Mr Deveaux.

Ms Smith added: “We were able to disclose the strengths that we didn’t even have knowledge of.”

Lionel Elliot, manager of industry training at the Ministry of Tourism, told the graduates to position themselves to take advantage of every opportunity they are handed.

“Don’t take this opportunity likely because at the end of this day it’s not about the money, it’s about being able to take advantage of every opportunity,” he said.