Remarkable tenacity and refined skillsets recently helped two Dart Hospitality Training Programme alumni achieve milestones in their careers at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa.
Spa Attendant Alexia Smith and Engineering Administrator Romario McLaughlin have both been awarded Employee of the Year within the resort’s front- and back-of-house teams, respectively – a deserving recognition that demonstrates commitment to their careers by putting their training into daily practice.
Foundations leading to new heights
For Romario, this award is another notch in a series of achievements since graduating from the programme in 2022.
“I was very surprised to win this recognition right after being awarded Employee of the Quarter a few months prior in October,” he said.
As one of the top performers in his cohort, he earned a role at Seafire with the accounting team and later shifted to engineering, where he was promoted to Engineering Coordinator in February 2023.
“The lessons I learned from the Dart Hospitality Training Programme helped me achieve these rewards; important lessons such as time management, getting along in the workplace and communication skills.”
Just the beginning
After being introduced to hospitality through an internship at Seafire’s spa, Alexia made a pivotal career choice to develop the skills needed to succeed in this field.
She took the step to enrol in the Dart Hospitality Training Programme in 2024.“I’ve learned that there is a place for everyone with different degrees and skill sets,” she said.
Not only did Alexia find her place, but she also found her voice, saying, “One of the best things it has taught me is how to be more confident in myself when speaking to others.”
“Through the programme, you can learn so much about the different job opportunities that can make you truly find your place in the working world.”
As a front-of-house employee, Alexia uses these skills to interact with guests daily, ensuring they feel welcome and comfortable - a job Anneka Greenway, assistant spa director, says she does exceptionally well.
“Alexia always goes above and beyond to assist guests and co-workers; she may be our youngest team member, but she is one of our superstars as she consistently delivers a five-star standard with guests every day,” said Greenway.
Alexia is currently on track to continue growing within the spa team. Starting her as an intern and now a full-time spa attendant, the hotel’s plan is to expand her role by transitioning her to the spa’s treatment room soon and eventually promoting her to beauty therapist.
Endless opportunities await
Seafire is one of four hotels within Dart’s Grand Cayman portfolio used to give trainees first-hand experience of the exciting world of hospitality. Others include The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman and Hotel Indigo® Grand Cayman.
“Since it began in 2022, the programme has positioned itself as an incredibly beneficial tool that helps young Caymanians grow within the most comprehensive tourism business,” said Dianne Conolly, Dart’s hospitality programme manager.
“In just three months, participants receive paid, in-depth training that covers the various departments, roles and skills needed to keep the hotels operating and most importantly, our guests happy.”
CURIOUS ABOUT A REWARDING CAREER IN HOSPITALITY?
Start here! This unique three-month, paid training opportunity is designed to provide hands-on experience across a variety of roles within Dart’s hotels and properties.
Dart has partnered with Lynn University in Florida, USA to deliver a two-week consolidated hospitality curriculum of in-person intensive training from the accredited institution.
Candidates who successfully complete the programme are able to apply for full-time positions at participating properties.
Applications close: 6 April 2025
Programme commences: 26 May 2025
For more information and to apply visit dart.ky/hospitality
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