INTERCONTINENTAL Hotels Group and Wavecrest College of Hospitality, have announced the launch of the 1st IHG Academy programme in Nigeria, joining more than 600 IHG Academy programmes globally.

The IHG Academy is a global network of educational and community organisations allied with local IHG-branded hotels to provide hospitality skills development and improved employability to the community.

Through training and mentoring, the IHG Academy has assisted over 10,000 people worldwide in becoming skilled hospitality workers and achieving their professional goals in the hospitality field.

Originally launched in China nine years ago, IHG Academy demonstrates how IHG is innovating within the industry, by pioneering global collaboration between hotels and local education providers and community organisations.

The Academy gives participants real-world experience of the hospitality industry and allows us the opportunity to develop talented people to work in our hotels. The programme has continued to grow year on year and now spans 60 countries worldwide.

Karl Hala, Regional General Manager Africa, InterContinental Hotel, said: “We’re delighted with our partnership with Wavecrest College of Hospitality and the opportunity to roll out this programme in Nigeria.”.

“Our programmes gives participants the invaluable experience of working in a hotel and allows them learn first-hand what lies at the center of great hotels guests love and the skills that are needed to deliver the high levels of service we provide for all of our guests.” Hala, added.

Once they’ve graduated, they’ll take what they’ve learnt and put it into practice providing world class service at IHG hotels.