Timorese trainers enjoy CDU hospitality

A delegation of Timorese educators is visiting Charles Darwin University this week as part of the Timor-Leste Workforce Development Program.

CDU VET Curriculum Developer Stuart Cooper, who lives in Timor-Leste, is leading a group of 10 hospitality trainers and two English language specialists to help build the local workforce capabilities in the hospitality industry.

The trainers, from a specialist hospitality college in Tibar, are joining classes and activities at Palmerston campus and visiting local hotels as part of their first visit to the Top End.

CDU’s Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor VET Nita Schultz said the Timorese delegation was experiencing firsthand quality vocational training and assessment, and the delivery of some of CDU’s programs.

“We arranged for them to visit our top hotels to see how services such as housekeeping, front-of-desk and reservations operate,” Ms Schultz said.

Responsible service of alcohol, food hygiene and barista training were also covered.

“These trainers are gaining skills and knowledge to build the Timor-Leste capacity to offer world-class service and enhance the experiences of visitors staying in hotels and dining in restaurants,” she said.

“CDU staff have been working with government and educators in the country to develop ‘home grown’ training solutions and qualifications to suit local needs.”

Ms Schultz said the program would prepare local educators and trainers to train the next generation of hospitality managers.