A six-month training scholarship has been awarded by Hilton to six Timor-Leste nationals in an effort to enhance English-language and hospitality skills ahead of the opening of the company’s maiden hotel in the country this year.
The joint initiative of the New Zealand Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste and Hilton will include on-the-job skills training at Hilton hotels in Queenstown or Taupo, prior to returning home with international-standard experience. The men and women will then continue their career development at Hilton Dili Palm Springs, which will become the country’s first internationally-branded hotel upon its doors opening later this year.
Opportunities will include roles in Front Office, Housekeeping, Engineering, Kitchen and Commercial, with the program beginning next month and running until early July.
Hilton Dili Palm Springs General Manager, Ryan Mikkelson, said the value of the opportunity being provided by New Zealand and Hilton couldn’t be understated.
“The program is shaped to enable our new team members to be immersed in a different culture, develop new skills at an international level and learn first-hand about our Hilton values and culture. On returning home for the opening of the hotel, these team members will be our brand ambassadors and mentors to their new fellow team members.
“We are confident they will enable us to deliver exceptional guest experiences and support the development of hospitality and tourism in Timor-Leste,” Mikkelson added.