School dropouts in hotel management

Updated on: Monday, August 24, 2009

Chandigarh: Dr Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management, which is a government-run institute and caters to the educational needs of entire northern region, has started two courses - food production or food and beverage services - for school dropouts free of cost. The scheme, wherein Rs 2,000 would be given as stipend, has already attracted a lot of aspirants from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttaranchal and Haryana.

Referring to the 'dearth of skilled manpower in hospitality sector', institute principal Naveen Kumar Nanchahal said, 'In north India, there is just 5% trained manpower. Requests for trained manpower were pouring in from hotel, restaurants and eating joints operating here. This forced us to start these courses, wherein, more than educational qualification, skills are required. This programme also has a backing from tourism ministry.'

The institute, which has a strength of 550 students, runs many short-term courses. Around 25 students each are already enrolled in the eight-week food production course and six-week food and beverage service course that commenced on August 17. Till now, authorities have received 78 more applications for the future batches.

Assuring that students 'will be placed in international and national hotels,' Nanchahal added, 'There is no age bar and anyone can join. The only criteria is first-come-first-serve basis. The entire fee will be borne by us and candidates will be provided a kitchen tool kit, worth Rs 500, for free.'

This course has given new hopes to 21-year-old Pawan, who works in a dhaba in Sector 15 and was forced to leave his studies due to financial constraints. 'I always wanted to work in a reputed organization. But due to financial constraints, I had to work here. Now with this course, I hope my dreams will come true,' said Pawan.

School dropouts in hotel management

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