As part of its ongoing efforts to help local communities nationwide, Dusit Thani Public Company Limited has entered into a joint project with the Ministry of Labor (MOL) to offer on-site training for students, the majority of whom do not have the good opportunities to pursue higher education, and in effect this new program seeks to provide them with specialized skills that will readily lead to obtaining better employment.

Under the Dusit-Department of Skill Development (DSD) Internship in Hospitality Industry Project, graduates of M6 (Grade 12) or Vocational Certificate will be eligible to receive on-the-job training in Housekeeping, Food and Beverage Service or Kitchen departments at all Dusit, D2 and Royal Princess hotels and resorts located in Bangkok as well as Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Korat, Khon Kaen, and Ranong.

Sinee Thienprassidhi (second left), Executive Director, Dusit Thani PCL, and Somkiat Chayasriwong (second right), Director General, Dept of Skill Development, MOL, are flanked by Khampi Suwanarat (far left), Chief Operating Officer, Dusit Thani PCL, and Weena Pakawongs, Deputy Director General, DSD, MOL, as they all share in a toast after the contract signing agreement.

This project collaboration spans five years; and each training program takes one year to complete. In the first three months, DSD provides theoretical training, English knowledge training, accommodation and necessary per diem, and in the remaining months, Dusit provides the same, including hotel uniforms, for on-site training at any of its 15 properties nationwide. Both parties will be responsible for the trainees' performance and progress evaluation during their respective training periods. At the end of the year, the successful trainee will be presented with a full-pledged certificate with official signatures from both Dusit and DSD.

The program stipulates that the trainee should undergo training in a Dusit property near his or her hometown, thus for practical reasons not only being close to home but would also later directly benefit the community in which the trainee resides, so that they can also seek employment opportunities in their own home area.

Chanin Donavanik, Managing Director and CEO of Dusit Thani PCL, said, "With the Dusit-DSD Internship in Hospitality Industry Project, we hope to develop the skills and provide basic support among the potential workforce in the hospitality industry. This will in turn raise the level of job opportunities and generate more income in the community."