Mewar University signs MoU with ITDC to train workforce for hospitality sector

New Delhi:  Ever since the Indian economy opened its doors in the 1990s, the country’s hospitality and tourism sector witnessed huge growth. Consequently, the demand for trained workforce to man the hospitality industry has skyrocketed over the years. Rajasthan has always enjoyed pride of place on the global tourist map, and a university ensconced within its boundaries cannot afford to overlook this rapidly growing demand for trained workforce.    

To tap into the potential of the country’s hospitality sector and provide the requisite training to our youth, Mewar University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) on 14 September 2012 to complement each other’s strength and capabilities for vocational training. Mewar University and the ITDC will work together through this MoU to create employability of the youth by synergizing their respective strengths, resources and expertise.

As per the MoU signed, the ITDC has agreed to pay the following amounts (inclusive of taxes) per candidate for the following courses: a) F&B Service: Rs. 7,645/-; b) Food Production: Rs. 9,270/-; c) Housekeeping Utility: Rs. 6,549/-; c) Bakery and Patisserie: Rs. 8,001/-. Mewar University will provide infrastructure support by means of classroom and practical lab, etc., for conducting training. The university will deploy its professionally qualified and trained staff in the designated properties for classroom as well as industrial training. The university will also help the ITDC management in the selection process and recruitment of the eligible candidates for training.

 The ITDC, on the other hand, will provide course material for the courses to be taught under the MoU and deploy its senior staff for stage inspection of training programs. Mewar University and the ITDC will jointly organize examination for the trainees on the completion of the training program and will jointly issue certificates to successful candidates. Both will also join hands to find suitable placements for the trainees in the hospitality sector.

As per the latest Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report published by the World Economic Forum, India is placed 12th in the Asia Pacific region in the list of the world's attractive destinations. That there is a dearth of trained workforce to manage the hospitality industry is corroborated by our ninth five-year plan projection of a shortage of 30,000 trained professionals every year due to the robust growth in the hotel industry. The report of a consulting firm Cygnus predicts that by 2015 the Indian hotel industry is likely to reach Rs 230 billion, rising at a CAGR of 12.2 percent. Also, India inc. is likely to invest nearly Rs 448 billion in the hospitality industry in the next five years. All these augur well for those training themselves to man the hospitality sector in its every branch.  Surely, the students studying and undergoing training in the courses provided under this MoU will reap the dividends in the job market.