In 2015, Cinnamon Resorts in partnership with CARE international Sri Lanka and John Keells Foundation awarded 100 youth aged 18-26 the opportunity to participate in the Skills for Youth Programme. This initiative was launched on the 1st and 2nd of October 2015 respectively at Cinnamon Bey, Beruwala and Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana. Candidates were selected from Habarana, Polonnaruwa and Kalutara based on their attitude, education and personality. The programme was designed to develop transferable skills in a practical environment including rigorous training and skill development in three disciplines of hospitality: kitchen, housekeeping and food and beverages. The programme was conducted in English over a period of 6 months, guaranteeing a holistic and engaging learning experience equipping participants with the required competencies for employment in the hospitality sector.

The Skills for Youth program is fully supported by Cinnamon resorts and offers an engaging in-house training experience to the participants. The program has proven to be successful, with the added advantage of trainees being offered employment opportunities within the Cinnamon chain and the tourism industry.

The Skills for Youth program emerged as a result of the rapid increase in hospitality establishments and accommodation facilities to cater to the steadily increasing tourist arrivals to the country. Sri Lanka is forecasted to achieve a target number of 2.5 million tourists by 2016. These figures imply the necessity for action to procure and preserve the skilled workforce in Sri Lanka. “John Keells Foundation is delighted to partner Cinnamon resorts and CARE International in the latest CSR venture of training and equipping youth from disadvantaged backgrounds for the Leisure and Hospitality industry”, said Ms. Carmeline Jayasuriya, Head of Operations CSR of John Keells Foundation.