Holcim Lanka partners with Harpo’s School of Hospitality and Tourism for hospitality training

Holcim Lanka, a member of the Lafarge Holcim Group, a global leader in the construction material industry recently partnered with Harpo’s School of Hospitality and Tourism to support the development of the communities in which it operates, through intensive Hospitality Training. 

The partnership is a result of Holcim’s vision to be considered a trusted partner of the development of communities in which it operates. Holcim Lanka has clearly identified a lack of employment and training opportunities in the Puttalam district. 

Holcim Lanka conducted an intense one month training plan implemented by Harpo’s Hospitality School, for youth from the Korathive area to receive Foundation level training in the areas of Food & Beverage (F&B), Housekeeping, Kitchen and Stewarding and Front Office in April.

HSHTM Certificate presentation to the 18 participants  was held at the Holcim Lanka premises in Puttalam and was attended by CSR Manager Charlotte Boutboul, HSHTM Director Asoka Jayawardene, Holcim Head of HR Tissa Nanayakkara and NAITA regional rep

Following this, many of the newly skilled males were provided with a six month on-the-job training at Anantaya a five-star hotel in Chilaw and other hotels in Kalpitiya tourist zone

“We are privileged to be partnering a global company as part of their CSR project. The positive comments received from the 18 participants, who were from villages in the district was heartwarming. Also their commitment in completing the course was commendable. Providing a launch pad for them to move on with a new career will greatly support the community. We plan to continue the program with Holcim,” said MD Harpo Goonerante.

Director of the hotel school Asoka Jayawardene had similar sentiments of the participants and their keenness to learn and also the incredible improvement in them at the conclusion of the program showed scope for continuation of the training program. 

Commenting on the initiative, Holcim Lanka CSR Manager Charlotte Boutboul said, “It is through a sustained partnership with Harpo’s School of Hospitality and Tourism and the want to continue to develop Sri Lankan communities, that Holcim Lanka is now taking its first step into powering the growth of skill and opportunity in the hospitality industry.”

This ideally supports the HSHTM vision to give its students the education which offers them the opportunity to be employed in the hotel industry, which is in great need of qualified staff.