‘PROPEL’ by CHSGA is an initiative of the Human Resources Development Committee of Ceylon Hotel School Graduates’ Association (CHSGA). The program aims at developing the required hospitality industry soft skills within the Intermediate /Advance level students and Final year students of Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM).
As a result of this initiative, students now have the opportunity to receive the know-how and be geared to face the demands of the industry by receiving the best and most practical education to help them prepare for their future careers within the hospitality sector.
A special note of appreciation to those who spearheaded ‘Propel’ should include Immediate Past President Sanjeeva Perera, HR Development Committee Chairperson Ms. Irandi Wijegunawardena, HR Development Committee Co-Chairman Patrick Pereira and the HR Development Committee members who showed such determination and sincerity towards this landmark initiative.
The structured development process starts with a purpose-designed Assessment Center in order to identify the strengths and areas of improvement of the students. The full day Assessment Center is planned and executed with the technical assistance and guidance of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Training & Development Team and is ably assisted by many hospitality industry specialists representing various leading hotel chains. Subsequent to the need identification through the assessment center, a detailed development intervention plan is developed and executed for a period of nine months. The development plan will include workshops, seminars, training programs and experience-sharing sessions by senior hoteliers and subject relevant experts.
“The initiative has been a resounding success and it is something we wish to continue,” says President of CHSGA Samantha Gunarathne. Adding further, he states, “There are endless ways to innovate, to change things to revolutionize the industry. We are proud to have begun this endeavour to provide these students with the knowledge they need and the tools to help them succeed and be competitive in their careers.”
After the successful completion of the first season of ‘PROPEL’ by CHSGA, the CHSGA HRD Committee conducted an effective and successful Assessment Center for Season Two participants at Cinnamon Bey Beruwala on February 2, 2018. The full day Assessment Center witnessed the participation of 62 students, assessed by an experienced panel of Assessors, comprising HR, T&D and Operations experts representing Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Aitken Spence Hotels, Taj Hotels, Waters Edge, Mount Lavinia Hotel and Citrus Leisure. The occasion was graced by the President and Executive Committee Members of CHSGA, SLITHM lecturers and senior hoteliers.
The Ceylon Hotel School Graduates’ Association (CHSGA), established in 1971 (incorporated by Parliament Act No: 21 of 1984), takes pride in being the pioneering Hospitality Professional Association in SL. With an alumni of over 1,500 members, CHSGA members hold significant senior managerial and leadership positions in the industry, both, in SL and in International markets. CHSGA members have significantly contributed to the growth of tourism in Sri Lanka.