Maureen Okpe
In yet another ground breaking series of training, the Transcorp Hilton Abuja have empowered 40 interns with hands on skills in the hospitality industry.
This annual training by the organization in collaboration with ACE Charity, a Non-Governmental Organisation(NGO), is part of its activities to double the impact of the travel with purpose goal by 2050, as well as fulfilling one of it’s mandate to engage the teeming Nigerian youth on career development in the sector.
General Manager, (GM),Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Jorg Potreck at the event to mark the end of the training, charged the intern to make concerted efforts in delivering standard services to clients.
This according to him, will create a niche for the interns and have their clients coming back to enjoy their services. He encouraged them on the need to explore the hospitality industry.
Potreck said, “43 years of my life in this industry, I have never experienced a day without work, job security is high, opportunity is something else, diversity, team work and international opportunities are available in this sector. These are the things we should consider when making the final choices in life on which profession to venture in.
“If you work in different hotels in different countries, people will pay you for your experience, but try to do this in the bank, they will say you are not good.We pay for diversity, international experience.
“I advice you not to just end up in only one department, if you have the chance, never be just a specialist in one area, take a bit of risk. You are the future of Nigerian hospitality, take the stage and show the world, go for it.
The E-commerce Manager Ijeoma Osuji, for her part, admonished the interns on good behavior and resilience, while describing them as ambassadors of the organization.
Osuji said, “you are now ambassador of Transcorp Hilton, go out there and represent us well. Note that the Image of the hotel is not just the structure, it is you and I. We are the reflection of the Hilton family. When you go out there and whatever you find yourself doing endeavour to be an amazing brand ambassador.”
She further disclosed that, in the past the Careers at Hilton used to be carried out in the month of May, but however, moved to November, since post COVID.
She reiterated that, the internship was set with the purpose to engage young persons in the different careers that exist in the hospitality industry.
“Alot of profession co-exist in the hospitality industry,most times people think it’s just the receptionists, cashier, cleaners until they realize that you get even qualified engineers, ICAN Chartered accountants,among others, it was shocking to most of them when they realized this.”
She further disclosed a visit to the Secondary School at Kuchingoro, Abuja, where representative from every department spoke on the different careers. “It was an eye opening event for the student.”
Also, Junior Programme Officer, ACE Charity, Choice Amesi, commended the interns on their work ethics and dedication amid various difficulties. She charged the interns “to go out there be the best and showcase themselves.”
One of the interns, Leslie Igwe Chimaobi, who spoke on behalf of the interns expressed appreciation for the opportunity to gain hands on experience with world class hospitality, describing it as a life opportunity.
“The Career at Hilton, open doors that many of us can only dream of. You have ignited in us our passion for not just building our future but positively impacting the world around us.
I feel immense gratitude and privilege for the opportunity given, this mentorship, hands on experiences are gifts many aspire to have and we are privileged to have them,” he said.
The best performing intern, Promise Ufon George in an emotion packed speech, appreciated the organisation for creating the platform for young persons to build a career and thrive.
She said, “Nigerian youths most times, do not get the opportunity to have a platform to grow, I will recommend Careers at Hilton to every young graduate out there, because this is something that will shape us to be employable and this will increase our employability.”
She encouraged the youth to put in their best effort when the opportunity arise and show their capabilities.
High light of the event included an award presentation to two highest E-learners, Mary Isaac and George Promise.
