USM hospitality students
get experience at Westin
PHILIPSBURG--University of St. Martin’s (USM) Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management students got some hands on training in the four-diamond rated kitchen of the Westin, St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa recently.
The three-day training is part of the University’s entrepreneurial learning system which gives students the opportunity to get hands-on experience on all facets of the industry, Government Information Service (GIS) said in a press release on Thursday.
Education Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams visited the resort earlier this week to get a sneak peak at what the students were up to. After a tour and tasting, the Commissioner encouraged the students to keep up the good work and to continue to focus on their studies. “With your degree in hand in the future, I hope to see you back at the Westin and other hotels on the island occupying top positions,” the Commissioner told the students.
The students are being trained by Westin’s Executive Chef and his team of Sous Chef and Line Cooks in several areas including receiving, ordering, inventory and the financial aspects of management. They also assist in preparing appetizing dishes.
“The students were excited to have the opportunity to take part in the training, which is preparing them for the workforce and allowing them to put theory into practice,” the release said.
“We learn independence, teamwork and I look forward to coming here and working in the kitchen. It’s better then just reading and writing. You get to do it yourself and learn from your mistakes,” USM student Michelle Christian was quoted as saying.
Student L. Benjamin said he would encourage other young people to join the programme. “The experience is a new experience, a learning experience. It is good for a young person like me to see what is going on out there,” he said.
For students Isabel and Anna working in hospitality has been a dream which they are now fulfilling.
Similar practical sessions will also take place at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino. At Sonesta Maho, students will be trained in Front Office/Desk, Food and Beverage, and Housekeeping.
