A solution is in sight to the problem of lack of manpower observed in companies in the mountainous areas, with the establishment of the Troodos Hotel Academy in Platres, an initiative that is expected to attract young people to work in the mountainous areas. After the success with the development, renovation and sale of hotels / restaurants in the area, the need is clear of securing staff for these places: “The first problem we face is that of staff and so an effort was made to move forward and set up an academy that specializes in the hotels side of Platres ", remarked Platres Community head Panagiotis Papadopoulos.
So the Troodos Network proceeded, in collaboration with MESOYIOS Education Group, and this month the first Vocational Academy with the philosophy "I study and work" has started operating in Platres, with classes held at the Forest Park Hotel. The first graduates are expected by February 2023. The academy is based on the Swiss model and aims not only to solve the staff problem but also to support specially trained first line staff and is a pioneering initiative because those interested will study without paying, will gain experience and when they graduate will have secured work. Hotels and restaurants will provide scholarships to children who are interested in studying in hotels, will cover their tuition costs, accommodation / food, medical coverage through the Health Insurance System (GESY) and will pay them an amount as a salary while at the same time doing their internship.
As for how the academy will work, a professional diploma will be given while the courses will be offered in Greek and last one year. In the subject matter of the courses, the academy will cover 6 specialties (waiters/waitresses, chambermaids, receptionists bartenders, assistant cooks, pastry assistants), while people over the age of 16 will have the opportunity to apply. The students at the academy will take morning classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays while on the other days they will do internships in hospitality companies. The diploma is divided into 2 four-months sections (one in spring and one in autumn) with an intermediate four months where the internship will take place, under the supervision of the teachers of the educational center.
So far, 41 vacancies have been registered, in 4 hotels and 5 restaurants in Platres, that are in urgent need of staff.
