National and International Hotel Industry

International Hotel and Restaurant Association,

Tourism and Training Authorities in South Africa and Brazil

World Tourism Organization

Government and public authorities in Thialand,Phillipines, South Africa, Brasil

UK Department for International Development (DFID)

The Youth Career Initiative is an innovative sustainable development partnership between the hotel Industry, the public sector and government. It is a unique program that utilizes the resources of 5 Star Hotels and the expertise of its managers to provide a structured education opportunity enabling the hotel industry to pioneer socially sustainable business practices in disadvantaged communities.

The 6-12 month program consists of life skills, across the board hotel operations skills, English language and computer education.

The aim in Thailand is to empower boys and girls from disadvantaged backgrounds with the skills to make informed life decisions and career choices. In Thailand these girls would otherwise be at risk from exploitation. The aim in Philippines is to offer opportunities to boys and girls usually raised in shelters. In South Africa and Brazil it targets high potential young people from very poor schools.

The pilot initiative began in Bangkok in 1995 and in the Philippines in 1998.

Over 500 young people have benefitted from this program conducted at 26 International Standard 5 Star hotels. All graduates are tracked and contacted each year to ascertain their progress.

The program has been adapted for South African conditions and industry standards, and will have a duration of 12 months. Six 5 Star Hotels will host the 2003 pilot, each hosting 6-10 students with a target of 30 hotels and game lodges over the next 3 years.

The Brazil pilot will target 5 Star Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

The International Hotel and Restaurant Association is promoting this initiative particularly in the fight against the exploitation of children. Their goal is to persuade their membership to establish this initiative in undeveloped countries.

The World Tourism Organization is also actively promoting this initiative and is targeting Latin American countries. In 2003/4 the program will be rolled out in South America.

The course is has a structured approached with 40%formalized theoretical classes and 60% competency based on the job training with designated trainers.

The competencies and training mechanisms following the operational standards of the hotel.

All participants have a log book and their progress is closely monitored by the HR department .

The teachers are from Management and the on-the-job trainers are trainers for that particular outlet.

The approach has been to cover all aspects of a hotel operation so at the end of the course the participants can make informed choices for their future career.

The Thailand and Philippines program has been adapted for South African and Brazil conditions and will be for one year in keeping with the National Qualification Standards

A World Council is being established to ensure that the program continues with the high standards established in the Bangkok program. In each city a local council consisting of HR, General Managers Government and NGOs will monitor the standards and guide the implementation process.

The initiaitve is based in the London HQ of the Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum.

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