Hilton hires all 28 graduates of its own training programme in expansion drive 

William Costley, vice president of operations for Southeast Asia and India, said the graduates are now full-time employees at Hilton properties in Myanmar after completing their two-year programme in hospitality management.
The centre’s mission was to empower youth through meaningful employment in Myanmar.
“It is also our approach to meet the challenge of finding and developing skilled talent in our industry while building a pool of talent for our growing pipeline,” he said.
The centre offers two-year programmes in front office operations, housekeeping, food and beverage service, and culinary and pastry arts. 
Intensively trained by qualified Hilton management, the students benefit from a combination of vocational training, on-the-job learning and global resources for continuous learning, he said. 
Hilton has been in Myanmar since June 2014, following a landmark deal with Eden Group to open five of their properties in key destinations in Myanmar. 
Two hotels – the Hilton Nay Pyi Taw and Hilton Ngapali Resort & Spa – have already opened. The Hilton Mandalay is set to begin business next quarter, followed by properties at Inle Lake and in Bagan over two years.
Eden Group chairman Chit Khine said the graduates could contribute to the growth of Myanmar’s hospitality and tourism industry. 
“I am confident that our graduates are among the best in the country, given the world-class and hands-on training they have received,” he said. 
The graduates will benefit from the extensive resources available within the organisation, which includes more than 2,500 online courses at Hilton University, regular learning and development programmes conducted in-house and access to Hilton global sales and marketing teams for support and guidance.
The centre has also welcomed 40 students in its second batch of training. All trainees will be provided with board, medical care, recreation facilities and a stipend.
The students and their parents seem happy to work for the hospitality company. 
One of them is Zaw Htet Thu, a fresh graduate from the culinary department who won a bronze medal at the Myanmar Culinary Arts Competition in June.
“We have gained a lot of experience and knowledge from the training, both theoretical and practical,” hd said.
“There were times when we had to handle big functions or events with up to 500 guests, which was a great learning experience.”
Aye Aye, mother of Ya Ti Pwint Oo from the culinary department, said she was very proud of her daughter’s graduation.