New opportunity for hospitality and tourism teachers in the Cayman Islands

Dart Hospitality Educators Programme to provide immersion experience at Grand Cayman’s leading hotels

A new opportunity presents itself for hospitality and tourism teachers in the Cayman Islands to gain greater first-hand insights into the dynamic industry and better position themselves to help prepare their students for successful careers in these fields.

The Dart Hospitality Educators Programme offers a one-week immersion experience for teachers seeking a professional development opportunity to get a better understanding of the technology, processes, skills and competencies employers expect and to witness how theoretical knowledge is applied in practical settings.

“We understand that the hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, with new processes, job streams and technologies continually being introduced. This makes human capital planning more critical than ever,” said Joanne Lawson, Dart’s chief of staff and chief administrative officer. “Educators face the unique challenge of balancing industry demands with academic preparation, ensuring that students gain relevant skills that align with the future workforce. This is all about equipping young Caymanians with the capabilities they need and setting them up for success as early as possible.”

The Dart Hospitality Educators Programme is geared toward educators who are currently teaching hospitality, tourism and leisure for years 11-12 at public or private high schools or tertiary-level institutions in the Cayman Islands.

Three sessions will be offered in May and June 2025, allowing up to 12 teachers to rotate through various departments within Dart’s hospitality portfolio, namely The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Hotel Indigo® Grand Cayman and Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman. Applications open on 24 January 2025, with a close date of 11 April 2025.

“Job shadowing provides educators with a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry. Educators will be able to shadow the daily activities of various sectors, gaining an insider’s perspective of the industry’s operations,” explained Dianne Conolly, hospitality training programme manager at Dart.   

This new initiative builds on the success of the Dart Hospitality Training Programme that was launched in 2022 to attract more Caymanians into the hospitality business and ensure those wanting to pursue careers in the field are equipped with the right skills. The three-month training features in-class lessons and on-the-job training at Dart-owned hotels and is delivered in conjunction with Florida-based Lynn University. An announcement about the application window for the next cohort will be made in the coming days.

For more details about the Dart Hospitality Educators Programme, including the full criteria and how to apply, visit: https://forms.office.com/r/JQsC8HTU6b