Sixteen young Caymanians have begun the 2025 Dart Hospitality Training Programme, setting out on a four-month journey to build skills and experience for careers in tourism and hospitality.
Over three years, the programme has graduated 39 participants, many of whom have secured employment at Dart-owned properties. Some alumni have gone on to earn accolades such as ‘Employee of the Year’ or ‘Employee of the Quarter’ at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa.
The programme, held in partnership with Florida-based Lynn University, mixes hands-on experience with in-class theoretical lessons. Participants this year will rotate through work training at five locations — Bonny Moon Beach Club, Hampton by Hilton, Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa and The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
Participants will also receive two weeks of employability training with Karima Lanfranco of Lynn University with a focus on developing the soft skills necessary to succeed in the industry.
Dart’s hospitality programme manager Dianne Conolly said, “Every year, we are impressed by the candidates who put themselves forward to begin their career within the hospitality industry and this year is no different. The partnership with Lynn University is always an exceptional offering for the cohort as they get to hear from a prestigious and accredited university on how to be successful in their careers within this industry.”
Dart Chief of Staff and Chief Administrative Officer Joanne Lawson described the initiative as a gateway to global opportunity.
We are known for our warm and hospitable service here in Cayman, and through this programme, we are rekindling the local hospitality flame for our Caymanians. This not only allows for careers to be built but it is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase the Caymankind that we as Caymanians are known for,” Lawson said in a press release.
Open to Caymanians aged 17 to 30, the training includes 30 hours weekly of paid work experience, classroom instruction, and role-specific training. Participants may apply for full-time roles in Dart’s hospitality portfolio after graduation from the programme.
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