Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina has joined forces with Saira Hospitality, a non-profit organization that provides local students with the skills and knowledge needed to work in the hospitality industry. Scrub Island is one of five resorts participating in a new eight-week “pop-up” school launched by Saira Hospitality for 100 BVI students.

“Now that Scrub Island is up and running as an Autograph Collection Hotel, we’re excited to partner on this new program and help provide crucial education for locals interested in pursuing careers in the hospitality industry,” said Scott McArdle, general manager of Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina. “The students are working alongside me and several of our staff members to gain first-hand experience in how our resort operates on a luxury level.”

The course takes place Monday through Friday on Virgin Gorda and Tortola and is run by local staff trained by Saira Hospitality. Classes cover a multitude of topics, including tangible and intangible service qualities, loyalty programs, service recovery, mindfulness, wellness, as well as cultural and emotional intelligence. Students will also gain a broad understanding of hotels, the current state of tourism and the modern traveler. Additionally, the program will include training in sustainability, nutrition, personal finance, entrepreneurship and managerial thinking. Upon completion, the partnering organizations will invite graduates to interview for available roles, in an effort to move program participants into long-term employment. The program launched in the British Virgin Islands earlier this month.