The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has teamed up with Hyatt Hotels and Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) to launch an 18-month Vocational Education and Training (VET) Swiss Professional Diploma programme aimed at enhancing skills in the Indian hospitality sector. The programme is open to students who have completed their Class 12 and will be conducted at top Hyatt properties in Delhi NCR and Lucknow, including Hyatt Regency (Delhi), Hyatt Regency (Lucknow), Andaz (Delhi), and Grand Hyatt (Gurugram).

This initiative comes as part of CII’s ongoing efforts to equip students with practical skills and job placements. Currently, more than 500 students are undergoing similar training across various hotels in India. Successful graduates of the Swiss Professional Diploma are assured job placements by CII.

Sunjae Sharma, Managing Director for India and Southwest Asia at Hyatt Hotels, said “At a time when India is emerging as a global leader in the hospitality industry, there is significant growth potential for the youth of India who choose the VET by EHL programme, offered by the Confederation of Indian Industry. We are proud to be the first international hotel chain company in India to collaborate with CII and EHL for this initiative and to contribute to training a new generation of hoteliers. I am confident that the learning and training imparted at Hyatt will enable these young minds to stand out in this competitive sector and achieve their dreams.”

Aman Aditya Sachdev, Director and Regional Head at EHL for South Asia, Middle East, and Myanmar, commented, “The VET by EHL program is based on principles of the world-renowned Swiss Competency Framework and has been developed by EHL subject matter experts and faculty members, as well as with global industry feedback. The objective of the program is to prepare the youth worldwide for frontline job roles in the hospitality industry at global standards. Students of the program in India will be at a significant advantage with future employers, in global mobility and in their career progression. They will acquire the relevant knowledge and competencies required by the industry at par with international programs. We are excited to launch the VET by EHL program today at multiple Hyatt Hotels across India. The program shall be delivered in coordination with the CII Institute of Hospitality; CII and EHL have established a long-term strategic partnership in India for the skilling of the youth for the hospitality sector.”

Sougata Roy Choudhury, Executive Director at CII, said “With the rapidly expanding hospitality industry in India and many other countries, there is an unprecedented requirement of skilled professionals. Also, the youths’ interest in long duration courses is dwindling. Hence, CII, as an Industry body has stepped in to bridge this gap through the VET by EHL Swiss Professional Diploma initiative, that offers practical training by industry experts at renowned and luxurious Hyatt hotels. We ensure students are job-ready from day one, and upon completing this 18-month diploma, they secure placements in top hotels and restaurants worldwide.”

The VET by EHL programme is structured into three levels of learning: Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced, covering Culinary, Food & Beverage Service, and Rooms. Each level builds on the previous one, culminating in a Professional Diploma. Students will have access to a global Learning Management System and will be assessed on both theoretical and practical skills. Additionally, graduates will join the VET by EHL Global Alumni Network and have the option to pursue a UGC-recognized degree.

Eligibility for the programme requires students to have completed their 12th standard with at least 50% marks in English from a recognized board in India.

For more information, interested individuals can contact CII via phone at 8700554435, email at admissions@ciiskills.in, or visit the website at www.ciiih.com.