Chance to join Oberoi Group of hotels

Shimla : The Oberoi Group on Monday opened applications for the latest intake of students for its ‘Systematic Training and Education Programme’ or ‘STEP’ programme. This Himachal Pradesh capital has three Oberoi’s hotel properties which include , the Wildlflower Hall , The Cecil and the Oberoi Clarkes .

This three year programme combines practical on the job training with study towards a Bachelor of Tourism Studies (BTS) degree from the Indira Gandhi National Open University. It gives graduates a real edge in the important early stage of their career.

Now in its ninth year of operation, The Oberoi Group’s STEP programme offers students the opportunity of acquiring specific and specialised training and knowledge either in Kitchen Operations or Hotel Operations, while having time to study towards their relevant degree.

On completion of the programme and availability of a suitable vacancy the STEP trainees are absorbed as full time employees of The Oberoi Group, in luxury Oberoi Hotels and Resorts or in our chain of five star Trident Hotels, as Operational Assistants.

Alternately, as graduates, the trainees are also eligible to compete for admission to the Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD) for a two year postgraduate level programme leading to a first Executive posting with The Oberoi Group.

Graduates of the STEP programme have a good chance of being accepted to OCLD because of their familiarity with The Oberoi Group, its individual hotels and resorts as well as The Groups’ distinct corporate culture and proven processes.

Commenting on the STEP programme, Amrita Bhalla, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, The Oberoi Group, said that, “The STEP programme was rolled out in 2004 with an aim to train young aspirants and groom them through a combination of academic study and comprehensive on-the-job training.

During the course of the programme, a trainee is stationed at one of our hotels or resorts, learning various aspects of hotel operations, and is thus able to gain valuable experience in the attitudes, skills and knowledge involved.”

Details of the course: Admission to the STEP Programme is open until 8tth April, 2012. The programme commences in June 2012 – Demonstrate strong academic performance in class X and XII (minimum 50% aggregate and 55% in English in class X).

The programme equips trainees to work in deluxe and first class hotels and resorts. The students would further benefit from the expertise of the academic staff at the Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development which includes world class educationists and hospitality professionals .The STEP Programme currently provides on the job training at the all Oberoi and Trident hotels and resorts including The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla.

Baldev S Chauhan

In a 20 year career published widely. He has worked for the BBC, AFP, The Statesman, IANS and the Business Standard . Known for his hard hitting writing and occasional off-beat stories. He lives in Shimla.