Historic agreement for TBBI as we sign with Oman Tourist College

OTC Signs Agreements with Specialised International Training Institutes

To enhance the quality of training following the highest standards and in cooperation with international institutes and expertise in the field of hospitality

Muscat, July**, 2021: As part of its commitment to provide an international training experience for the participants of ‘Midhyaf’, Oman Tourism College (OTC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the British Butler Institute and entered into an agreement with ZADK Culinary Arts Co. The signing will see the provision of specialised training services, as per international standards, after the start of the programme and the enrollment of the targeted national competencies in September this year. ‘Midhyaf’ is a training for employment programme, recently launched by Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group).

The MoU with the British Butler Institute, which provides consultancy and luxury training services around the world, will see the provision of Service (Waiter) and Reception specialised training programmes over a period of six months, conducted by a team of experts at OTC’s facilities. The British Butler Institute adheres to all new International Standards and is renowned for its ability to develop multi-skilled professionals in the specialised hospitality field, by equipping trainees with the relevant knowledge required for the job market.

The agreement with ZADK Culinary Arts will see a number of college students trained in various aspects of the culinary arts for nine months. As of 2019, ZADK is affiliated with the Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland. This enables trainees to obtain quality training, experience and fast-track into their courses at an advanced level alongside allowing them to benefit from greater career prospects within the hospitality industries. As per the agreement, ZADK will provide expert certified trainers to train participants in the Midhyaf programme at OTC’s facilities.

Commenting on the new agreements, Dr Abdulkarim Sultan Al Mughairi, Dean of OTC said, “We always aim to play an important role in contributing towards developing local talent to enhance the tourism and hospital sector within Oman. As part of the national efforts of the Midhyaf programme, we have entered into agreements with two of the most prestigious institutions that specialise in their respective fields, namely the British Butler Institute, which has a leading international reputation in the field of hotel and hospitality services and ZADK Academy of Culinary Arts Co., a renowned culinary institution in Saudi Arabia. Apart from being the service providers to students under the Midhyaf programme, this is a testament to the high level of training and practical experience that we always strive to build in all our students. We will continue to collaborate and engage in knowledge and expertise-sharing initiatives with these institutions even after the completion of the programme. This way, we can ensure the provision of quality global experience for our students in the future.”

Principal Mr Gary Williams from the British Butler Institute said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Oman Tourism College to provide the required training for students participating in this intensive training programme. We are confident that the graduates will generate added value to the various hospitality assets that they will work in, in the future. Our experts look forward to visiting the Sultanate of Oman and begin the training programme. The highest international standards in this field will be followed, which will help qualify and upskill the trainees to prepare them to work in hotel assets that are operated by major international companies.”

OTC continues to place great emphasis on various training programmes to enhance the skills and knowledge of its students. This prepares them for their role in developing the tourism and hospitality sectors within the Sultanate and take advantage of the job opportunities it provides. This is aligned with the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy 2040, aimed at encouraging and accommodating local talents within the growing tourism sector in the country.