When 25-year-old Daniel Peh came across Park Hotel Group’s booth at one of NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) job fairs, he was attracted to the career prospects the group had to offer.
“I’ve worked in retail, restaurants and even the Singapore Zoo before. I enjoyed that kind of work. So when I found out that I could progress in the hotel industry, I decided to give it a try,” said Daniel.
There was one small issue. Even though he was interested to join the hotel line, he was not sure which job department he wanted to work in.
Daniel said: “I was spoilt for choice between housekeeping, front desk and food and beverage. All looked attractive to work in.”
It was then that a Park Hotel Group representative spoke to Daniel and told him about its Hotel Operations Specialist Team (HOST) Programme.
The Host Programme
Designed by Park Hotel Group with co-funding from e2i’s Inclusive Growth Programme (IGP) in 2011, the one-and-a-half-year long HOST programme allows staff to try out jobs in departments such as housekeeping, front office and food and beverage (F&B).
“The programme was designed to first train our staff in all three departments, and second to ensure that when needed, for example if there is a shortage of manpower in one department, we can deploy employees from other departments who have the skills to do the job,” said Park Hotel group human resource manager Chng Chee Meng.
According to the group, employees who successfully go through the HOST programme are able to command a remuneration package that is at least 40 to 50 per cent more as compared to employees with single-job functions. They also enjoy better progression opportunities should they combine their training with the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualification courses and certification offered at Park Hotel Group’s own training academy.
Park Hotel Group currently has about 17 employees benefiting from the HOST Programme at its three hotels in Singapore.
Holistic Programme
Touching on his experience with the programme, Daniel said: “I came into the hotel industry not knowing anything much. But in my time in the programme, I was allowed to look at the big picture of how to run a hotel, especially how every department works in relation to one another.
And now I have a deeper understanding of those things and have acquired valuable skills at the same time.”
Since completing the HOST programme earlier this year, Daniel has joined Park Hotel Group’s F&B department and is currently undergoing an executive trainee programme for F&B at Grand Park City Hall.
As advice for new entrants into the industry, Daniel said that having the right attitude is key. “I may not be doing the biggest job but being appreciated by guests and colleagues gives me a sense of satisfaction and reward. It motivates me to work harder,” said Daniel.
When asked about his future plans, Daniel said: “Since I’m in the F&B department now, I want to make the best out of it. I hope to become a hotel restaurant manager one day.”