GUEST LECTURER PROGRAM
On Friday 1st September, BMHS students enjoyed a recruitment talk from Ms Kimberly Tate, Assistant Director of Human Resources, Four Seasons Whistler in the Rocky Mountains, Canada, one of North America’s top year-round mountain resorts with access to the ski slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, site of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Level one student Craig Gaffney and Level two students, Ms Acacia McBain and Chelsea O’Rourke, have put their hands up for their Career Development placements there; Ms Laura Blackburn is enjoying her current placement there so much she has extended it to 12 months.
On Tuesday 12, September, the School was pleased to have Ms Cara George, Training and Development Manager and Mr Bernie Boller, Group Operations Manager from Toga Hospitality (Medina, Vibe, Travelodge, Adina) as visitors to the campus to address Level 2 and 3 students about the culture, career paths and opportunities of this rapidly expanding company. The School has many students on placement with Toga properties and has already recruited several graduates, notably Mr Caspar Schmidt, the General Manager of their Adina Apartment hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark. Third year student Mr Charles Jonas will join the Reservations department at Toga head office in Sydney when he graduates in December.
On Tuesday 26 September, all international students had the opportunity to gain useful information from Ms Fiona Clarke, the Student Liaison Officer for The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA). Ms Clarke educated the students about visa issues and the career opportunities that exist in Australia so they can continue working after graduation, especially in the current climate of skills shortages in the hospitality and tourism industry.
The Blue Mountains Hotel School was honoured to co-host the forth annual HM Awards, a gala industry awards night held on Friday 8 September at the NSW Art Gallery in Sydney, attracting over320 guests from the hotel and tourism industry. Thirty-five HM Awards were presented on the night recognising excellence over a range of categories, from people and departments to properties and chains.
BMHS shared the co-host honour this year with its partner school in New Zealand, the Pacific International Hotel Management School (PIHMS).BMHS was proud to present the awards for Accommodation 5 Stars, Service to the Community, and a new category this year, Hotel Brand Management Company. PIHMS presented the New Zealand City Hotel and New Zealand Regional Property awards.
Industry commented favourably on the professionalism of our students in their blue jackets who assisted with meeting and greeting guests on the night and demonstrating their proficiency in service. The students – Mr Kenneth Pettersen, Mr Kevin Nathaniel, Ms Catherina Zierenberg, Mr Kin Tam, Mr Craig Gaffney, Mr Charlie Tickler, Mr Jae Hee Kim, and Mr Jason Wong - also appreciated the opportunity to show off their skills and see how industry celebrates achievement and excellence.
Both PIHMS and BMHS were also proud to be well represented on the HM Awards night through our alumni working at nominated properties. Both schools now have graduates, many in senior management roles, at leading hotels throughout Asia and the Pacific Basin.
Both schools look forward to a continued association with the HM Awards and working with industry in the future to promote the international image and professionalism of Australia and New Zealand.
