150 graduate from Baha Mar job training

The Nassau Guardian

150 graduate from Baha Mar job training

Baha Mar is expected to hire around 700 Bahamians through its Leadership Development Institute (LDI) ahead of the resort’s December 8 opening, Baha Mar executive Robert Sands said yesterday.

The first 150 students graduated from the program yesterday and are all expected to be offered jobs in various capacities at the resort.

Sands, Baha Mar’s senior vice-president of administration and external relations, said another 300 Bahamians are currently enrolled in the program.

LDI, one of the resort’s recruitment programs, has had 3,500 applicants.

Resort executives said they were pleased with the inaugural class performance and have high expectations for the future classes.

The program gives Bahamians between 16 and 24 a "chance at a new start", offering training opportunities to those who may not ordinarily be considered for jobs.

Baha Mar Chairman and CEO Sarkis Izmirlian noted how far the graduates have come.

"Baha Mar, like many of you, has stumbled,” he said.

“We have faced obstacles that would have made many others quit. But we did not. We persevered, regrouped, became stronger.

“We are smarter and better for it. We showed grit and character. Now, when the challenges come, and believe me, they still do, every day, we are ready.

"We know we have what it takes, that our soul, our vital core, our essence, with its unique qualities of tenacity, integrity, excellence, attention to detail, will lead us to the other side of any problem thrown our way.

"...We promised you that if you persevered, if you kept your word, if you lived by our values, we would invite you to be part of our opening team, part of the soul of Baha Mar.

"So today, I say with great pride to this the first graduating class of the Leadership Development Institute, welcome to Baha Mar. Congratulations, you have earned your place on our dream team."

The institute offers a 16-week program to candidates. Those who are successful are guaranteed employment at the resort in areas including food and beverage, housekeeping, cleaning services, grounds, maintenance and security, among others.

The program offers job readiness, hospitality, technical and leadership and life skills training.

Baha Mar President Tom Dunlap also encouraged the graduates to continue to grow.

Dominque Moss, one of the graduates, said the program helped to improve his professional skills and also taught him life lessons.

Moss said he is excited to begin his new career and thanked Baha Mar for giving young people hope.

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