World leading hotel group intensifies efforts to build talent pipeline for the industry
SHANGHAI and MCLEAN, VA., Nov. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of agreements with three eminent universities in China, Chengdu-based Yinxing Hospitality Management College of CUIT, Chongqing Technology and Business University and Shanghai Fudan University, to cultivate talents for the fast-expanding hospitality industry. With the forging of these three new partnerships, the company now has a total of six academic tie-ups to provide comprehensive theoretical and on-the-job training programs that equip students for successful careers in hospitality.
“China is one of Hilton Worldwide’s most important markets outside the U.S., where we are already operating 29 hotels (31 in Greater China) and have more than 110 projects in the pipeline. The partnerships with the three renowned universities are critical initiatives to support our ambitious expansion. More importantly, it also demonstrates our commitment to fostering talent and elevating the standards of the hospitality industry in China,” said Edmond Ip, chairman, Greater China & Mongolia, Hilton Worldwide.
Under the latest partnership agreements, more than 100 top students will be selected by Hilton Worldwide and the respective universities each year, to undergo rigorous workplace training provided by Hilton Worldwide. By the end of their course, each student would have completed their full-time internships, earning 12 months in total of practical experience working at Hilton Worldwide’s managed properties to complement their theoretical learning.
In addition, Hilton Worldwide also offers other curriculum designed to equip students for successful careers in hospitality in the form of guest lectures and on-site visits. Outstanding students could also potentially secure job offers with properties managed by Hilton Worldwide upon graduation.
“The success of a hotel group boils down to the quality of its people,” said David Osborne, senior vice president, HR Operations and Development, Hilton Worldwide. “As a leading global hospitality company, Hilton Worldwide always strives to nurture young talents and retain the best-in-class professionals to secure a competitive edge in China’s fast-expanding hospitality industry,” added Lawrence Lee, vice president, HR Greater China & Mongolia, Hilton Worldwide.
“We are thrilled to partner with another three renowned universities, to add to the three that we have existing partnerships with. We are still actively exploring opportunities to collaborate with other leading hospitality and tourism schools in China, to groom more talents to catalyze the development of the industry,” said Jason Soh, senior director, recruitment, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.
With a strong focus on talent development, the company also invests heavily in training initiatives for up to 12,000 staff in China. Promising talents are offered international career development opportunities and access to professional training and development across functions. A structured succession planning program is also in place to groom talents into more senior roles faster. At the ground level, all team members receive comprehensive training to deliver excellent and consistent service.
Its commitment to training and development has earned Hilton Worldwide a strong reputation as an employer of choice in the hospitality industry, being named “Best Employer for Chinese University Students” for two consecutive years in 2011-2012 in surveys conducted by ChinaHR.com on university students.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 640,000 rooms in 90 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.
