HEART/NSTA Hospitality Graduates in High Demand

Graduates of the HEART College of Hospitality Services are some of the most highly sought-after workers by key players in the tourism and hospitality sector, says Managing Director of the HEART/NSTA Trust, Dr. Taneisha Ingleton.

Speaking at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, Dr. Ingleton noted that many students are being recruited even before they have completed their studies.

“We have hotels or institutions in the hospitality industry who have been actively recruiting HEART graduates… because they’re good, and when you do experience them within that area, you recognise that Jamaica has some of the very best individuals working within that sector,” she said.

Dr. Ingleton noted that the high demand for HEART graduates is a testament to their exceptional skills and competencies.

Their performance in the hospitality sector has not only made them an asset locally but has also opened doors for overseas employment, most notably in the United Kingdom (UK).

“Most of them (overseas employers) want to go into Jamaican cuisine and for that particular sector they are specifically requesting Jamaicans; Jamaicans from HEART… and we would have done the necessary work as well to support our individuals getting these kinds of experiences,” she said.

Some 2,383 new trainees from HEART/NSTA Trust will join the tourism/hospitality sector, having graduated in November and December.

Dr. Ingleton tells JIS News that even as this latest batch of recruits prepare to enter the workforce, the HEART NSTA/Trust will continue training more persons.

“We will go on massive recruitments. We will take the individuals outside of the communities; we will encourage them; we will show them the various pathways – that these are the things you can do to make your lives better… to create a competitive advantage… to create a legacy and wealth for your families,” she pointed out.

Encouraging more persons to apply to study at HEART, Dr. Ingleton reminded that courses are tuition-free up to level four.

“And not only are we free but we also offer residential training, so if it is that you would need to come out of your community to get a different experience, to move away from whatever those influences are, the HEART NSTA/Trust has that provision for our Jamaican youth,” said Dr. Ingleton.