Sixteen young Caymanians have embarked on a journey to upskill themselves through the 2025 Dart Hospitality Training Programme and position themselves for successful careers in a pillar of the Cayman Islands economy.
Over the past three years, 39 students have graduated from the Dart Hospitality Training Programme, which provides the opportunity to receive hand-on industry experience while benefiting from in-class theoretical lessons that have been enhanced by a partnership with Florida-based Lynn University.
Several alumni having gone on to secure full-time employment within Dart-owned hospitality properties as well as a few having earned the prestigious title of “Employee of the Year or Employee of the Quarter” at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa.
This year’s cohort will participate in a dynamic work rotation programme across five premier hospitality locations: Bonny Moon Beach Club, Hampton by Hilton, Hotel Indigo® Grand Cayman, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa and The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, where they are able to gain hands-on experience in diverse operational environments.
The programme also includes two weeks of intensive employability training delivered by Dr. Karima Lanfranco, assistant professor from Lynn University’s College of Business and Management, equipping students with essential soft skills and career readiness.
“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,” said Dianne Conolly, Dart’s hospitality programme manager.
“The continued success of our graduates is testament to the strength of the programme and the dedication of our hotel and restaurant partners. Being able to watch our alumni thrive in this dynamic industry is truly rewarding,” she added.
Dart Chief of Staff and Chief Administrative Officer Joanne Lawson shared the importance of the Dart Hospitality Training Programme for Cayman’s hospitality industry.
"Careers in hospitality are more than jobs—they are gateways to global opportunities, cultural exchanges and the ultimate personal growth. 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.
“It was vital for us to create this opportunity to ensure that Caymanians are exposed to the opportunities in hospitality and tourism, right here in Cayman, considering its major impact on the local economy. It is always a pleasure to witness the successes of the cohorts each year. It gives us, at Dart, great pride ensuring that we are certainly helping to create solid foundations for their tomorrow.”
The Dart Hospitality Training Programme is specifically designed to provide young Caymanians aged 17-30 with the opportunity to be exposed to the hospitality industry. Over four months, participants will receive a minimum of 30 hours of paid work experience per week, two weeks of employability training, a week-long tourism product immersion experience and eight weeks of position-specific training throughout the Dart hospitality portfolio. Upon completion of the programme, participants have the opportunity to apply for full-time employment within the Dart hospitality portfolio.
For more information about the Dart Hospitality Training Programme visit dart.ky/hospitality.
Dart media contact:
Bethany Ebanks-Pacheco
Manager, Communications
bethany.pacheco@dart.ky
345-525-5367
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