If you happen to visit the front desk at Sheraton Soma Bay, you are likely to encounter one of the distinguished graduates of the Etijah Employability Program for the Hospitality Sector. This program has effectively opened doors for young professionals to launch rewarding careers within Egypt’s dynamic hospitality industry.
Etijah is a prominent organization committed to empowering youth, women, and underserved communities through a wide range of capacity-building, educational, and economic empowerment programs. Focused on developing skills and creating sustainable opportunities, Etijah is dedicated to unlocking the potential of individuals and communities, thereby fostering sustainable development and economic independence.
The Employability Program in the Hospitality Sector is a project provides recent graduates from governmental hospitality universities, institutes, and schools in underprivileged areas with the necessary skills and training to secure meaningful employment. By delivering a comprehensive training program, participants gain both technical expertise and soft skills, alongside practical training and direct job placement opportunities.
This program emphasizes key areas within the hospitality sector, including:
- Kitchen Operations
- Housekeeping
- Food and Beverage Services
- Stewardship
Erijah implements this program in collaboration with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), this project seeks to bridge the gap between the skill sets of graduates and the demands of the hospitality industry. It also contributes significantly to the advancement of Egypt’s tourism sector.
Among the program’s key achievements is its partnership with Sheraton Soma Bay, a prominent hotel located in Hurghada. This collaboration provided 14 recent graduates from hospitality vocational education programs in Egypt with practical training at one of the most prestigious establishments in the Red Sea region.
An impressive 60% of the trainees secured permanent positions at Sheraton Soma Bay, marking the start of their professional journeys in various departments. Many of these graduates now serve at the hotel’s front desk, while others have been placed in roles within the kitchen, kids’ club, and additional departments.
“All the front desk employees at Sheraton Soma Bay are now employed through Etijah’s Hospitality Program,” remarked Mr. Mohamed Roshdy, Human Resources Specialist at Sheraton Soma Bay. He further emphasized, “The most notable quality observed in the trainees was their discipline.”
The program is designed to empower youth by equipping them with essential technical knowledge, personal development tools, and employability skills. This comprehensive approach enables participants to secure stable employment, positively impacting their social and economic well-being.
Additionally, the employment of well-trained professionals enhances service quality within the hospitality sector, leading to an improved guest experience and contributing to the continued growth and reputation of Egypt’s tourism industry.
The success of the Employability Program in the Hospitality Sector underscores Etijah’s unwavering commitment to fostering community empowerment and sustainable development. The graduates’ accomplishments at Sheraton Soma Bay and beyond serve as a testament to how targeted training and opportunities can drive transformative change for individuals and industries alike.