News

Young, ambitious Caymanians are being encouraged to take advantage of an opportunity to enhance their skills and better prepare themselves for careers in the hospitality industry.

The Dart Hospitality Training Programme is a unique three-month paid training opportunity and provides participants with exposure across a variety of departments within Dart’s portfolio of hotels, including Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Hampton by Hilton.

The programme is designed to raise awareness about careers in the hospitality industry, better prepare locals for hospitality jobs, and increase the number of Caymanians employed at local hotels.

“This training is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the industry, as we showcase career opportunities that exist. In doing this, we hope to attract more Caymanians to the field, who would be ideal Caymankind ambassadors to enhance the visitor experience to these lovely islands,” said Dart Chief of Staff Joanne Lawson.

Applications are now being accepted from interested Caymanians aged 17 - 30 for the programme that runs 9 August - 3 November 2023. The deadline to apply is 5 May 2023.

Over the course of three months, participants will receive a minimum of 30 hours of paid work per week and full basic insurance coverage. The programme begins with two weeks of employability training, four weeks of rotation in various roles and six weeks of position specific training in one of the following areas: guest services, food and beverage, pool, beach, recreation attendant.

Upon completion of the course, trainees receive a certificate recognising course completion, a bonus, and the opportunity for full time employment for those who excelled in the programme. Their performance is based on the ability to work as part of a team, attendance and punctuality, job competencies, willingness to accept feedback and learn, their attitude and professionalism and quality of customer service. Retention bonuses are offered at various points for graduates.

This is the second year of the Dart Hospitality Training Programme. A total of 12 students successfully completed the pilot in 2022, with eight of them being offered and accepting jobs at one of the Dart-owned hotels. Feedback is that they all are currently performing well in their various roles.

“We’re pleased with the quality of participants in year one, and this is evidenced by the fact that most of those young people have successfully transitioned into jobs where they add value to the Cayman Islands tourism product. We are looking forward to training a new cohort of Caymanians to be ready for job consideration ahead of the next high season in November,” Lawson said.

Applicants can complete the online form at: https://www.dart.ky/about/dart-hospitality/ or have their questions answered by emailing applicants@dart.ky.