NSDC partners with HTMi to empower youth for the hospitality and tourism Sector

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the auspices of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Switzerland based Hotel and Tourism Management Institute (HTMi) on February 28^th, 2023.

This partnership was focused to jointly provide certificate, diploma, advance diploma, and certification courses in hospitality. This was done to support skill development initiatives in the sector and encourage professionals to pursue apprenticeships. A tri-party MoU was also signed by NSDC, HTMi, and Lamrin Tech Skill University (LTSU).

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Education and, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship; Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE; Shri Gyan Bhushan, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism; Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, COO (officiating CEO), NSDC and MD, NSDC International; Ian Robert James Larmour, CEO, Hotel and Tourism Management Institute; Jean-Baptiste Délèze, Swiss Ambassador and Dr Sandeep Singh Kaura, Lamrin Tech Skills University, Punjab and Adviser to Govt of Punjab.

The first MoU was signed between NSDC and HTMi, and the second was a tripartite Agreement between NSDC, HTMi, and LTSU. NSDC & HTMi envision similar partnerships as the program is scaled up, with LTSU operating as the implementation partner for the initial phase of this partnership.

The collaboration between NSDC and HTMi strives to educate students with hospitality industry-specific skills through a unique combination of classroom and work-based learning. Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD of NSDC International, and Ian Robert James Larmour, CEO, Hotel and Tourism Management Institute, exchanged the MoU.

Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, COO (Officiating CEO), NSDC and MD, NSDC International, Dr. Sandeep Singh Kaura, Lamrin Tech Skills University, Punjab, and Advisor to Govt. of Punjab, and Ian Robert James Larmour, CEO, Hotel and Tourism Management Institute, also signed the tri-party MoU.

Students seeking to pursue a career in the sector would benefit from the program, which offers specialisation across a variety of programs, including degree and post graduate, Swiss European culinary arts, and professional certification. In order to give students a competitive edge in both the domestic and international markets, the full-time, six-month certification program is created to develop professionals’ skill sets while also giving them on-the-job training in a variety of hospitality sectors.

As part of the partnership, the students will receive training over the course of three modules distributed over six months on subjects like English for hospitality operations, front office operations and administration, housekeeping operations, food and beverage production and services, and guest services, among others. The program will be implemented in partnership with training partners in India.

Addressing to the audience, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Education and, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship said, “The goal of this year’s budget was to help India compete with other developed countries’ economies by putting an emphasis on increasing capital spending and developing a circular economy to empower the public. This will raise the country’s expenditure capacity and boost the hospitality industry. India has a culture of Atithi Devo Bhava and hospitality is anchored in India’s rich tradition, and increasing capacities in the sector will further enhance India’s economic prowess and empower its youth. Recently, a budget implementation webinar for also addressed by our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi who focused on how skilling and education will pave the path to India’s progress.

Hence, it is imperative that our kids be provided with the necessary skills and knowledge. Our youth are also talented, energetic, and willing to explore new opportunities. The skills of our youth will be further enhanced by this partnership between HTMi and NSDC, keeping the hospitality industry on the road to success. NEP 2020 has expanded several entry and exit points in the education sector and offered unique avenues to support both vertical and horizontal mobility.”

According to Ian Robert James Larmour, CEO of the Hotel and Tourism Management Institute, “The program’s aim is to create Swiss-certified hospitality professionals for India while also bridging access to Swiss hospitality skills training and education for Indian students. Also provide these students job opportunities in India’s hospitality industry and a path to Swiss hospitality training.”

While introducing the program, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, COO (officiating CEO), NSDC and MD, NSDC International, stated, “Under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, these are exciting times in the field of education and skills. IITs are now being established globally, and foreign students are entering India. Through the new National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), our Minister for Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship has put a lot of effort into integrating vocational training with our education curriculum.”

One of the top universities for hospitality, HTMI is ranked No. 4 in the QS World University Rankings. “This partnership will bring employer partnerships to India, lower the cost of education, ensure the best placements globally, and provide quality education to our youth at Indian price points with multiple entry and exit points along with three sprints of six months each,” he continued. “With apprenticeship being a key focus of the partnership, the students will receive rich global experience.

The partnership would also provide lateral entry for higher-skills programs to HTMi and the partner institutes globally to upskill and reskill Indian nationals enrolling in international courses. Also, it will help to improve the training of trainers, curriculum, and student preparation for training. The enrolled students will receive the training for each module through a curriculum overview and extensive industry knowledge delivered through a series of notes, handouts, PowerPoint presentations, and other videos. The program offers students the HTMi’s international qualifications at highly attractive price points. Another benefit of the program is the opportunity to work and apprentice both in India as well as abroad.

Also read: Updates on important partnerships from NSDC and MSDE on Training Programs https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/updates-on-important-partnerships-from-nsdc-and-msde-on-training-programs/

HTMi will not only ensure that students have internship opportunities prior to the end of the program, but will also enable student placement in both domestic and international markets with prominent hospitality companies in a wide range of roles. After finishing the course, the students will receive certificates in management, food and beverage division, and department specialisation in hospitality. By developing, designing, and assessing the modules in accordance with the educational needs of the students and industry demands, NSDC will support HTMi in expanding the reach of the program as part of the collaboration. It will train trainers for program implementation and build training infrastructure to deliver a holistic and seamless learning experience in the domain.

On the sidelines of the event, a panel discussion called “Globalization of Skilled Personnel: Our Intervention to Address the Gaps and Challenges to Pave the Way Ahead” was held.