37 Hospitality Kampuchea (HoKa) Trainers Embarked on Professional Industry Placement Programme in Siem Reap

Upskilling and Reskilling
22.12.2023
The Skills Development Programme (SDP) has launched the Professional Industry Placement (PIP) programme, providing 37 Hospitality Kampuchea (HoKa) trainers from 10 target provinces with a unique opportunity to gain practical work experience in standard hotels and restaurants in Siem Reap.

The 37 trainers, including 19 women, were selected from the Provincial Departments of Tourism (PDoT) from the target provinces, namely Kratie, Steung Treng, Preah Vihear, Mondolkiri, Ratanakiri, Pursat, Battambang, Pailin, Oddor Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey. This hands-on experience was designed to equip them with practical insights into the hospitality industry, further enabling them to deliver high-quality training in their respective provinces. Running for one week, from November 17 to 23, 2023, the initiative aimed to enhance their capacity, knowledge, and skills, ensure the sustainability of hospitality training, and contribute to the growth of Cambodia's tourism sector.

"The PIP programme is a crucial step towards fostering excellence in the hospitality sector. By providing hands-on experience to our trainers, we are not only enhancing their skills but also ensuring that the training they provide in their provinces meets the highest standards."
H.E. Pak Sokhom, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Tourism and Chairman of the HoKa Steering Committee.

During the week-long programme, the HoKa trainers improved their hospitality skills in food and beverage service, housekeeping, front office, and culinary expertise. The real-world scenarios within renowned hotels and restaurants, such as Malis Siem Reap Restaurant, Khema Angkor Restaurant, Sokha Siem Reap Resort and Convention Center, Sokha Angkor Resort, Sakmuth Boutique Hotel, Treeline Urban Resort, FCC Angkor by Avani, Lub d Cambodia Siem Reap Hotel, Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas, Park Hyatt Siem Reap  Park Hyatt Siem Reap, Angkor Grace Residence & Wellness Resort,  Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa, ANGKOR STYLE RESORT & SPA, Innotality Corporation Ltd., The Hideout Barista & Lounge, Sarai Resort & Spa  Sarai Resort & Spa, offer practical insights and experiences, enhancing the trainers' ability to transfer these skills effectively to their learners back in their home provinces.

"The SDP is proud to support this initiative, and we believe that by enhancing the skills of the trainers, we are contributing to the overall development of the hospitality sector. We appreciate the commitment of all stakeholders, especially the private companies, who played a crucial role in making this programme a success."
Mr. Kong Dara, Intervention Area HoKa Manager.

The opening ceremony of the Professional Industry Placement programme, held on November 16 2023, was presided over by H.E. Pak Sokhom, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Tourism and Chairman of the HoKa Steering Committee, H.E. Tes Chankiri, Member of the Siem Reap Provincial Council, and Mr. Kong Dara, Representative of the Skills Development Programme. The ceremony attracted 100 participants, including Directors of the Departments of Tourism from the ten target provinces, representatives from hotels and restaurants, and HoKa trainers.

The Hospitality Kampuchea (HoKa) is an excellent industry-based training model, offering high-quality hospitality vocational training to low-skilled workers. The HoKa training programme is the best option available for managers and business owners in the hospitality sector to grow their businesses. Moreover, HoKa contributes to building the capacities of trainers of Provincial Departments of Tourism, enabling them to provide further training to tourism professionals in and around their province.

HoKa is implemented in ten target provinces under the collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Skills Development Programme, a project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

2024 - 2028
Cambodia
Initial vocational education and training, Labour market insertion, Sustainable tourism
Skills Development Programme (SDP)
The overall goal of the Skills Development Programme (SDP) is for disadvantaged young women and men and low-skilled workers in five rural provinces of Cambodia (Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, Kratie, Mondulkiri and Rattanakiri) to gain access to decent employment and increased income.