Mohit Nirula talks to SHAlINI SAKSENA about the unique programme STEP, designed to ingrain aspirants with the attitude needed to excel in the hospitality sector
What is Systematic Training and Education ProgrammeIJ
The Systematic Training and Education Programme (STEP) is designed to provide High School graduates with the opportunity to learn the skills and attitude required by the hospitality industry. The unique aspect of the programme is that trainees learn their skills from professional hoteliers while training in some of the best hotels in the world.
What is its USPIJ
The most important part is hands on practical learning experience. Second, learn from professional hoteliers in some of the world’s best hotels. In fact, STEP trainees receive a monthly allowance, hotel provided accommodation, meals on duty, uniforms and medical insurance. In addition, the group also invests applicants by paying the fee and providing dedicated time for trainees to study for their undergraduate degree of Bachelors in Tourism Studies from Indira Gandhi National Open University.
How is it different from the other hotel management degrees/diplomasIJ
First, of course, we have practical hands on training rather than theoretical input. There is no fees paid by students, it is an investment made by the group. We also give three years of experience at some of the best hotels in the world.
What does the curriculum involveIJ
The curriculum involves academic study related to hospitality, practical on the job training besides separate studies for the Bachelors in Tourism Studies from IGNOU.
The need to train students in Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism StudiesIJ
It is important for students to have an undergraduate degree. This allows them to keep their options open for either further study in hospitality or a change in career should they feel the need to do so at a later stage.
The aim of the programmeIJ
The programme was launched in 2004 with the aim to provide young aspirants wishing to make a career in hospitality, the opportunity to train at some of the best hotels in the world under the guidance of professional hoteliers. During the programme, a trainee is placed at one of our hotels, learns the various aspects of hotel operations and is thus able to gain valuable experience besides honing the attitude, skills and knowledge required by the industry.”
Is there an eligibility criterionIJ If yes, whatIJ
The eligibility criteria for candidates are as follows: The candidate should be above 18 years and below 20 years of age, as on August 15, 2014. The candidate should have attained a clear pass in Class XII, as on July 1, 2014, from a Board recognised by the Indira Gandhi National Open University. The candidate should have attained in Class X English, 61 per cent or above. The equivalent in CBSE is a B2 Grade or a 7 Grade Point.
What about the fee and the duration of the courseIJ
The programme is a three-year course where, as mentioned earlier, the trainees do not pay any fee for the programme. In fact, the trainees receive a monthly allowance, hotel provided accommodation, meals on duty, uniforms and medical insurance.
Do you also have placement cellsIJ
The trainees upon graduation are eligible to join the group through the Oberoi Central Employment Register as an operations assistant. In addition, they can also apply to be considered for selection for the two year post graduate management programmes at The Oberoi Centre of learning and Development.
The programme is in its 11th year. Tell us how the journey has been so farIJ
As with any journey, there have been the joys of discovery and learning. We believe that we are running a richer more rewarding programme. This has been designed in a way to ideally suit the trainees with the skills and attitudinal traits necessary to be a success in the hospitality industry.