IHG, Wavecrest launch hospitality academy in Nigeria

INTERCONTINENTAL Hotels Group in collaboration with Wavecrest College of Hospitality, has announced the launch of the first IHG Academy programme in Nigeria.

   The academy will be joining more than 600 of such IHG programmes globally. 

        According to a statement, the IHG Academy, a global network of educational and community organisations allied with local IHG-branded hotels or corporate offices, will provide hospitality skills development in a bid to improve employability of job seekers thereby driving 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 us the opportunity to develop talented people to work in our hotels. The programme has continued to grow year on year and now spans 60 countries worldwide”, the statement read in part.

   Regional General Manager Africa, InterContinental Hotel, Karl Hala 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 allow 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.” 

      “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 stated.

   “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 Hotel Lagos, where they will receive real-world hospitality training supported by the team of managers and department heads at InterContinental Hotel Lagos”, the statement added.