Mint Group & IHG Launch Training Program.
Parliament House was a fitting location for such a significant event.
The world’s largest hotel company, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), and people solutions specialists Mint Group have launched a joint training initiative that will enhance IHG’s position as premium employer of choice in the Australian hospitality and tourism industry.
Minister for Tourism, Resources and Energy Mr. Martin Ferguson MP, joined IHG Australasia regional director human resources, Craig Hooley and Mint Group director, Tony Fritsche to unveil the competency based training initiative at Parliament House, Canberra last week.
The unique, Australian-first partnership will lead to all IHG staff gaining nationally recognised qualifications in their first year of employment, by participating in Mint Group’s award winning accredited training programs.
“This initiative will combine Mint Group’s award-winning, accredited training programs with IHG’s commitment to building the skills, knowledge and capability of our employees,” said Mr. Hooley.
“It will build on IHG’s reputation as an employer of choice by creating a culture of continuous learning and providing a structured and clear career pathway for our employees.
“This is the first time a hospitality organisation has partnered with a Registered Training Organisation in such a way. This strategy will ensure that all new IHG staff across all hotels in Australia will achieve Certificate III level of competency with the first year of service.
We have worked with Mint to move the method of training delivery to the individual on-the-job, rather than off-site, group based training. In this way the skill development and confidence of trainees is greatly improved,” Craig said.
The new structure will also enhance IHG’s ability to deliver consistent training across all their hotels, including to remote locations and indigenous communities, Mr Hooley went on to say.
“This is another fundamental aspect of this unique partnership. Our training programs have been restructured to involve supervisors in the delivery of training thus allowing their skills to be developed and for training to be delivered effectively in more remote locations.
“Certified training makes good business sense in the current climate. We’re confident this will increase our competitive advantage in attracting staff and promoting career development, retention and productivity,” Mr. Hooley said.
Mr. Fritsche said that Mint Group’s partnership with IHG would have the potential to change the way people viewed the tourism and hospitality industry.
“As a leader in enterprise people solutions, Mint Group welcomes the opportunity to play a pivotal role in a pioneering new program like this one. IHG employees will be the first to receive a totally unique and cutting edge training experience.
“Many people see tourism and hospitality work as a stop-gap measure on the way to something else,” he said.
“IHG employees will be given fresh opportunity for career development and industry-accredited educational opportunities.”
“IHG will enhance employee attraction and retention through an industry-first level of specialist skill and knowledge development.
“The partnership will also enhance workplace capability and increase productivity and competitive advantage.”
Mr. Fritsche also outlined further benefits that Mint training solutions will bring to IHG. “This joint venture will contribute to IHG’s commitment to consistency across global brand standards and service levels, underpinned by accredited training that meets Australian Quality and Training Framework competency standards,” Mr Fritsche said.
The joint competency based initiative will see IHG staff undertaking Certificate III in hospitality through Mint Training.
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