New training institute poised for success

Friday, 20 June 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Sarah Hannan Sri Lanka’s newest training institute this month opens its doors with the goal to cultivate a new generation of ladies and gentleman who are poised, confident and culturally savvy. Arden Institute is based in a quiet and leafy precinct of Colombo 3, offering its introductory range of select courses, seminars and workshops focused on helping clients and people of all ages and walks of life, improve their social and life skills, personal presentation, confidence and communication.

The institute’s founder and Executive Director, Nedra Wickremesinghe’s speciality is the art of making a good impression. She is the founder and former head of Nedisa Finishing School & Nedisa Corporate Social Interaction and is among the leaders in this highly specialised profession: teaching ambitious successful Sri Lankans the art of deportment, etiquette, personal projection, customer courtesy and image-building. Her latest venture, the Arden Institute is built on the principles established in her former finishing school, to deliver cutting-edge outcomes for clients and individuals seeking success in their personal and corporate lives. “Arden goes beyond the strict rules of etiquette and offers a fresh approach to contemporary social skills, corporate etiquette and professional image. Etiquette training isn’t just for debutantes and society ladies anymore; men and women, youthful carrier aspirants and top corporate executives, even celebrities and socialites benefit from it,” Wickremesinghe emphasised. Arden Institute boasts three separate departments: Etiquette and Protocol, Frontier Career Development and Corporate Training. Etiquette and Protocol Etiquette and Protocol Department, modelled along the lines of traditional finishing school, offers courses that will help a woman develop her full personal potential, infused with elegance and sophistication and covers topics on hostessing, entertaining and hospitality. Students are given the confidence and savoir-vivre, empowering them to handle any situation at home or abroad with ease, allowing them to move confidently through life beside successful husbands and colleagues. The ‘Etiquette essentials for young adults and college students’ course is designed for college students or students leaving for further studies overseas; a ‘Young Professionals’ course for emerging ambitious professionals, a ‘Lifestyle Coaching’ course, a confidential and exclusive customised course for married couples and individuals are also included in the curriculum. The subject matter varies from course to course. Elements include dress and personal presentation, table manners and conversation, wine appreciation, public-speaking and interview skills, diplomatic protocol and even advice on home décor and many more. Frontier Career Arden Institute’s other department, Frontier Career Development, is mainly to train Frontline staff. This department complete with virtual training facility and mock-up stations is poised to benchmark quality courteous service standards in Sri Lanka, and will deliver highly interactive on-the-job programs designed to prepare job seekers for entry in to the workforce. Further elaborating on the available training modules Wickremesinghe stated: “Essential industry-specific skill sets are combined with key elements and components of our etiquette programs to ensure students are job-ready. Courses are targeted to meet the needs of the employer within emerging high-growth sectors such as tourism, aviation, hospitality, retail boutiques and services, as well as in the BPO, insurance and banking sector.” Corporate Training Arden’s Corporate Training Department offers a selection of programs and workshops tailored to a wide range of industry needs. As today’s complex global environment demands people who are more socially and culturally competent. The institute ensures that they are trained to distinguish themselves as business professionals with panache and finesse. As a great believer in personal touch Wickremesinghe informs that the intake for each course and program is restricted to 15 participants, which will give maximum impact and personalised niche training. For further details on Arden Institute Ltd. and its training schedules visit www.ardeninstitute.com or drop an email at [email protected].