34 February 2019 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY Please tell us about Tahseen — what it is and what it does. Tahseen is a unique hospitality training programme developed in partnership with Cornell University. It focuses on fast tracking the next generation of hospitality leaders in the Middle East by providing them with firsthand experience and a springboard to launch successful careers in the industry. The highly individualised programme focuses on practical application across all departments as well as an in-depth understanding of leadership skills led by teams across Marriott International’s participating hotels The programme runs for the course of 12 to 18 months and provides the candidates with operational experience and theoretical training, empowering them with the knowledge, skills and experience to accelerate in leadership roles. In addition, participants also get handson experience through the Cornell e-learning platforms and the Cornell University-led development programme tailored specifically for the programme. How was the programme developed? We wanted to develop a programme that provides Arab youth, looking to lead successful careers in the hospitality industry, with ample opportunities to expand their knowledge and develop skills. We believe in developing talent in the markets where we operate and are specifically focused on increasing the number of nationals who are employed across our region. As such, we developed Tahseen in conjunction with Cornell University and supported by key partner DUR Hospitality. For the past couple of years, we have been working hard to create a paradigm shift on how hospitality is perceived as an industry by Arab nationals. We have worked towards showcasing hospitality as a rewarding and fulfilling career option to the next generation of hoteliers while increasing brand awareness in individual markets within this region. With Tahseen, we saw an opportunity to play a more active role in recruiting, training and retaining these associates, by providing fulfilling career opportunities for growth and development in the region. What are the benefits for Tahseen graduates? Over the duration of the course, Tahseen graduates will be fully immersed into all aspects of the business with opportunities to learn and develop their skills and industry knowledge for managerial roles. The programme offered graduates six months of cross-exposure across all departments, as well as six to 12 months of departmental specialisation, led by a team of professional leaders across Marriott International’s participating hotels, as well as access to our world-renowned core management development programmes. All these learning options will help the graduates implement the knowledge in their future roles. Upon completion of the course, all participants received their Tahseen Diplomas as well as a Certificate in Hospitality Management from Cornell University. And, most importantly, they move into leadership positions in our hotels. I understand your first intake of students graduated in September last year, in Saudi Arabia. How many were in this batch and how has it affected their working lives so far? Last year, we had 30 graduates. All of them went through the development programme that focused on overall hotel knowledge, skill development in their department of choice and theoretical certification with Cornell University. After completing the programme, 28 out of the 30 were promoted to managerial positions in multiple departments such as food and beverage management and room operations including housekeeping. As long as you have a passion for the hospitality industry you can be a part of Tahseen, even if you belong to an entirely different sector.” LIZ O’REILLY David Leman, chief HR officer, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, outlines how the company is engaging Arab youth with training and development. David Leman
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