Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts signs MoU with Vocational Training Authority

From left: Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts SVP Human Resources Stephen Wilson, Deputy CEO and COO Hishan Singhawansa, VP Learning and Development Patrick Pereira, CEO Mikael Svensson, Vocational Training Authority Chairman and CEO Eranga Basnayake, Vice Chairman Mahesh Ariyarathna and Director General Chulangani Perera

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Vocational Training Authority (VTA) in an industry-first partnership to uplift human capital.

Some of the key objectives of this partnership will encompass recognition of prior learning of existing Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts employees; providing opportunity for the youth of the country to work with a reputed establishment in the hospitality industry; and increasing the female percentage in traditional and non-traditional roles within Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts. 

The agreement with VTA provides formal recognition for Cinnamon employees, which will enhance their motivation and enable them to continuously grow within the organisation whilst attracting more young talent to the sector. VTA meets the vocational training needs of Sri Lankans by providing learning opportunities through excellent pre-employment training in various fields at its many training facilities across the country. 

The partnership with VTA reflects Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts commitment to developing youth, promoting internal talent development, and increasing the female population in the workforce in traditional and non-traditional roles. Cinnamon has pledged to increase females in its workforce to 25% by 2024/25 while providing over 250 trainee opportunities within 2023. The partnership also aims to disrupt stereotypes of females working only in certain roles. With the appropriate training from VTA, females can work in non-traditional roles such as hotel maintenance, pool attendance and kitchen services.  

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts CEO Mikael Svensson said: “Establishing a partnership with Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka being the premier vocational training provider of the country marks a significant milestone in our journey towards excellence at Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts. We believe as leaders in the industry it is our responsibility to remain positive in a difficult time and continue to move forward in all areas possible, especially in developing the talent of the country and attracting youth to join the hotel industry.” 

“VTA with its country-wide network of training centres will be able to develop the talent pipeline we require for our growth, and we can share our industry expertise and best-in-class practices to uplift the standards of VTA facilities and curriculum. With the commitment of Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts to increase females in the workplace, we intend to provide training and employment for more females that get trained in VTA centres, especially in non-traditional roles such as plumbing, electrical and general maintenance. We believe this mutually benefiting relationship will enable both organisations to achieve its vision and set a benchmark for others in the industry to follow,” he added.