For young people who may not have completed their Ordinary Level or Advanced Level education, finding a pathway into the hospitality industry can often be a challenge. The Australian College of Training in Hospitality (ACTH Institute), which has focused on giving young people, including those who have not followed the conventional academic route, an opportunity [...]
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Peter R Fernando Proprietor of ACTH Institute
For young people who may not have completed their Ordinary Level or Advanced Level education, finding a pathway into the hospitality industry can often be a challenge.
The Australian College of Training in Hospitality (ACTH Institute), which has focused on giving young people, including those who have not followed the conventional academic route, an opportunity to build careers through internationally recognised hospitality skills training, marked its 9th anniversary last Tuesday.
From the beginning, ACTH has concentrated on practical skills required in the hospitality industry, offering short courses in areas such as bartending, barista skills, waiting, food safety and front desk reception.
The programmes are designed to give students the practical knowledge and confidence required to enter the hospitality sector, both in Sri Lanka and overseas.
Over the years, ACTH has expanded its training programmes to meet the changing requirements of the hospitality industry. In 2022, culinary skills courses in pastry and baking and cookery were introduced.
The same year, the institute introduced the Diploma in Hospitality Management, a globally recognised qualification endorsed by the Institute of Hospitality UK.
Students have opportunities to take part in practical sessions, traineeships and internships at the purpose-built café located close to the institute in Negombo.
The café provides students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a working hospitality environment while developing the skills needed for employment.
The institute has also introduced online learning to support its students. Director of Studies and Lecturer Peter R Fernando has developed an e-learning platform through which students can access their study material online.
The anniversary celebrations on September 8 began with a Barista Challenge and Latte Art Throwdown, bringing together 12 ACTH graduates who are now employed as baristas.
The competition was also an opportunity for the institute to bring together former students and showcase the skills they had developed.
For the final challenge, each participant was required to prepare a macchiato and a flat white, testing their technical skills, consistency and presentation.
Shenali Fernando, a barista at Heritage Café, Kurana, emerged as the winner of the competition.
The Barista Challenge also provided a fitting highlight to the institute’s anniversary, demonstrating how vocational training can help young people move from the classroom into the workplace.
The participants who took part were: Sasanka Fernando, Chalani Samarapperuma, Raveesha Sri Dhananji, Shenali Fernando, Akalki Nanayakkara, Nethusha Fernando, Amith Sandakelum, Waranga Fernando, Mohamad Anfas, Jayapidum Perera, Kavishka Abishek, Sandeep Thalagala.
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Print Edition – The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka
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