From classroom to industry: Cayman educators complete Dart’s hospitality training

From classroom to industry: Cayman educators complete Dart’s hospitality training

Eleven Cayman Islands teachers and two independent career coaches successfully completed Dart’s inaugural Hospitality Educators Programme, gaining first-hand, real-world experience to bring back to their classrooms. The initiative builds on the success of Dart’s Hospitality Training Programme, which launched in 2022 to attract more young Caymanians into the industry and equip them with the skills and mindset to thrive.

The week-long immersion programme for educators was designed specifically for hospitality and tourism teachers who lead Year 11 and 12 students at public or private high schools, as well as tertiary-level institutions in the Cayman Islands.

The participants were Natalie Smillie (Cayman Islands Further Education Centre); Michael Firth and Stacey Austin-Williams (Cayman Prep & High School); Lydia Ray (CMC Caribbean Master Classes); Juanitta Hutchinson, Terryann Robinson, Shenoya Evans-Lugg and Simone Holloway-Williams (John Gray High School); Jasmine Stephens (Layman Scott High School); Jitender Saluja, Tanique Dunbar and Aneka Hutchinson (The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI)); and Dee Burrows (The Mindset Strategist).

During the training, the educators shadowed professionals across Dart’s hospitality portfolio – including the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Hotel Indigo® Grand Cayman, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Hampton by Hilton™ Grand Cayman, Ms. Piper’s Kitchen + Garden and Bonny Moon Beach Club. They observed day-to-day operations in key areas such as the front office, food and beverage, housekeeping, culinary, marketing and pool and beach services, gaining the practical insights needed to better prepare their students who are pursuing careers in Cayman’s hospitality industry.

Dianne Conolly, Dart hospitality programme manager, explained: “With rapid advancements and new technologies emerging in the sector, and with many educators having not worked in the industry for some time, this programme enables participants to keep one foot in the academic world and one in the realities of today’s hospitality landscape. Through job shadowing, they stay connected to the skills and standards students need for success, helping to bridge the gap between the classroom and a rewarding career.”

Joanne Lawson, Dart’s chief of staff and chief administrative officer stressed the importance of ensuring Cayman’s youth have the best support to embark on careers in hospitality. “Our Dart Hospitality Training Programme has provided vital foundations for our youth to explore career paths with confidence and success. Strengthening workforce development by ensuring our education system aligns with the real needs of business is key to building long-term opportunities. By immersing educators in the daily dynamics of the hospitality industry, we can deepen understanding, bridge classroom learning with practical skills and better prepare Caymanians to be authentic frontline ambassadors, enhancing the experience for every visitor to our islands,” Lawson said.

Dr. Aneka Hutchinson, programme director at the School of Hospitality Studies at UCCI, shared that the programme was “eye opening and an enriching experience…the emphasis leaders placed on soft skills – teamwork, communication and work ethic – was a powerful reminder of what sets apart exceptional employees in this people-centred industry.”

Dee Burrowes, an independent global hospitality trainer with The Mindset Strategist, added that the programme will help shape industry-ready professionals by “equipping educators with the tools to inspire Cayman’s next generation of hospitality leaders.”

This year, 16 young Caymanians successfully completed Dart’s Hospitality Training Programme, all of whom were offered full-time employment upon graduation.

To learn more about the Dart Hospitality Training Progamme, visit dart.ky/hospitality.