4.55 PM Thursday, 28 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:57 06:11 12:27 15:53 18:37 19:51
28 March 2024

Fast track your way to a brighter future

Have you got what it takes?

Published
By Aimee Greaves

 

A group of hospitality graduates have been given a career changing opportunity in a Dubai-based hotel group.

Jumeirah has recently launched its Aspiro programme, which gives seven employees the chance to embark on a fast-track programme that could see them become a hotel general manager within eight or nine years.

And unlike other in-house training schemes, Aspiro has no fixed length contract with employees. They can develop at their own pace and, therefore, become more valuable employees, the organisation says.

"This programme differs from the likes of a graduate programme in that the candidates will actually be given a job and be employed by Jumeirah from the offset. The primary goal for the candidates is to develop and improve at a greater speed in their current establishment through this fast-track programme," says Fritz Bangert, Group Director of Learning and Development for Jumeirah.

The programme has three levels of entry: the corporate trainee programme, corporate management programme and corporate executive programme, with the aim of offering participants a quicker career progression within the international hotel chain. Trainees will work in a variety of departments, including food and beverages, engineering, human resources and sales and marketing.

The company believes its programme is one of the best in the hospitality industry. "This programme is bespoke for each candidate. The better they perform, the quicker they can raise their careers in the company," says Bangert, adding that all costs of the course will be covered by the hotel group.

With hundreds of applications coming in from around the world, competition was intense.

The seven selected candidates will now spend the next few months choosing the route they wish to pursue.

One Jumeirah employee, May Fellores, is already reaping the rewards of joining the scheme. She has been promoted to assistant manager from guest service executive. She says: "I have been working for Jumeirah for almost four years. With Aspiro, my future seems even brighter and the opportunities that are now available will help further enrich my life as a hotelier."

Applications are already open for the next intake of Jumeirah's Aspiro trainees, which will begin in June. External applicants can find out more from their colleges and universities.

Looking for growth

- Emaar's Afaq initiative is a four-part programme, which includes a leadership programme focusing on the progress of existing UAE nationals within the organisation. Under the programme, the work environment, job responsibilities and remuneration are periodically reviewed to ensure that recruited personnel remain motivated and challenged. 

- BinHendi Enterprise recently celebrated the third year of its Ajyal programme, which strategically prepares Emiratis for key positions within the BinHendi organisation. With an impressive portfolio, which includes fashion, hospitality, real estate and interior design, the company now also offers a part-time training programme to students. 

- Emirates NBD, one of the largest banks in the UAE, recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Higher Colleges of Technology. Aimed at developing a strong Emirati workforce, the bank will provide scholarships to 10 students, a monthly stipend for up to 20 students and financial support to selected entrepreneurial businesses.