IHCL launches hospitality skill center in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Today, the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), the largest hospitality firm in India, inaugurated its 32nd skill training center in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Located in close proximity to the renowned Statue of Unity, The inauguration of the center was formally conducted by Dr. S. Jaishankar, who serves as the Minister of External Affairs for the Government of India.

Puneet Chhatwal, IHCL’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The Government of Gujarat has achieved significant progress in infrastructure development, unlocking the tourism potential of the region. With a conducive environment for skilled individuals to enter the industry, the skill center, inaugurated by the Honorable Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar will offer training in hospitality to the young individuals in the state. This initiative aims to tap into untapped talent and address the employability gap in the sector for the foreseeable future.”

IHCL, in collaboration with Tata STRIVE and VFS, has established a comprehensive skill center in Ekta Nagar offering courses in food and beverage service and front office, supplemented with on-the-job training. The center has the capacity to accommodate 120 students annually. Upon completion of the courses, learners will receive assistance in securing employment in the sector.

Zubin Karkaria, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VFS Global, expressed, “VFS Global’s commitment to education and skill development in India is evident through the successful operation of the VFS Global Academy in Mumbai, Lucknow, and Deoghar. Our approach nurtures a culture of learning and development within the communities it serves. We are delighted to collaborate on the Ekta Nagar hospitality skill center with IHCL, India’s leading hospitality company.”

As the custodian of Indian hospitality, IHCL continues its commitment to investing in building industry-relevant talent pools, aiming to develop and support deserving youth and their families while contributing to the overall growth of the industry.

Aligned with its ESG+ framework of Paathya, IHCL presently partners and operates 32 skill centers across 10 states and 15 cities in India, with a commitment to train 1,00,000 youth by 2030.

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