InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Wavecrest College of Hospitality have announced the launch of the first IHG Academy programme in Nigeria, joining more than 600 IHG Academy programmes globally.
The IHG Academy is a global network of educational and community organisations allied with local IHG-branded hotels or corporate offices to provide hospitality skills development and improved employability to the community and to drive economic growth. Through training and mentoring, the IHG Academy has assisted over 10,000 people worldwide in becoming skilled hospitality workers and achieving their professional goals in the hospitality field.
Originally launched in China nine years ago, IHG Academy demonstrates how IHG is innovating within the industry, by pioneering global collaboration between hotels and local education providers and community organisations. IHG Academy gives participants real-world experience of the hospitality industry and allows the global hotel group the opportunity to develop talented people to work in its hotels. The programme has continued to grow year-on-year and now spans 60 countries worldwide.
Karl Hala, regional general manager, Africa, InterContinental Hotel, said: “We are delighted with our partnership with Wavecrest College of Hospitality and the opportunity to roll out this programme in Nigeria. Our programmes give participants the invaluable experience of working in a hotel and allows them learn first-hand what lies at the center of great hotels guests love and the skills that are needed to deliver the high levels of service we provide for all of our guests.”
The IHG Academy is a global collaboration between IHG and local education and community providers. The programme aims to provide people with skills development and employment opportunities and create a sustainable talent pipeline for IHG.
“This is the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between Intercontinental Hotel and Wavecrest College to enhance the training and development needs of both students and faculty at Wavecrest,” Rosana Forsuelo, provost, Wavecrest College, said.
The IHG Academy will deliver international-standard hospitality training, provide practical first-hand work experience opportunities for students and create a hospitality talent pipeline in Nigeria. Students on the IHG Academy in Nigeria will undertake a six-month internship at InterContinental Lagos, where they will receive real-world hospitality training supported by the team of managers and department heads at InterContinental Lagos.
Obinna Emelike
