NEW DELHI: The Oberoi Group has opened applications for the latest intake of students for its 'Systematic Training and Education Programme' or "STEP" programme. This three-year programme combines practical on the job training with study towards a Bachelor of Tourism Studies (BTS) degree from the Indira Gandhi National Open University. It gives graduates a real edge in the important early stage of their career.

Now in its tenth year of operation, The Oberoi Group's STEP programme offers students the opportunity of acquiring specific and specialised training and knowledge either in Kitchen Operations or Hotel Operations, while having time to study towards their relevant degree.

On completion of the programme and availability of a suitable vacancy, STEP trainees are absorbed as full time employees of The Oberoi Group, in luxury Oberoi Hotels & Resorts or in our chain of five star Trident Hotels, as Operational Assistants. Alternately, as graduates, the trainees are also eligible to compete for admission to the Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD) for a two year postgraduate level programme leading to a first Executive posting with The Oberoi Group. Graduates of the STEP programme have a good chance of being accepted to OCLD because of their familiarity with The Oberoi Group, its individual hotels and resorts as well as The Groups' distinct corporate culture and proven processes.

Commenting on the STEP programme, Mr. Mark Woodbridge, Dean, The Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development, said, "The STEP programme was rolled out in 2004 with an aim to train young aspirants and groom them through a combination of academic study and comprehensive on-the-job training. During the course of the programme, a trainee is stationed at one of our hotels or resorts, learning various aspects of hotel operations, and is thus able to gain valuable experience in the attitudes, skills and knowledge involved."

Details of the course:

Admission to the STEP Programme is open until 7thApril, 2013. The programme commences in June 2013.

Eligibility criteria for candidates are as follows:

    - Be a class XII pass-out by July 2013
    - Be between 17 and 20 years old on 1 July 2013
    - Demonstrate strong academic performance in class X and XII (minimum 50%
      aggregate and 55% in English in class X).

The programme equips trainees to work in deluxe and first class hotels and resorts. The students would further benefit from the expertise of the academic staff at The Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development which includes world class educationists and hospitality professionals.

Applicants can download the application form from http://www.oberoigroup.com/careers/join_us/step.htm

Further notes to the Editor:

The STEP Programme currently provides on-the-job training at the following Oberoi and Trident hotels and resorts:

    - The Oberoi, Bangalore
    - The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
    - The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
    - The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
    - The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla
    - Trident, Agra
    - Trident, Chennai
    - Trident, Gurgaon
    - Trident, Jaipur
    - Trident, Udaipur

Notes to the Editor:

About The Oberoi Group

The Oberoi Group, founded in 1934, operates 29 hotels, a Nile Cruiser and a Motor Vessel in the backwaters of Kerala under the luxury 'Oberoi' and five-star 'Trident' brands in India, Egypt, Mauritius, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. The Group is also engaged in flight catering, managing airport restaurants, travel and tour services, car rentals, project management and corporate air charters.

http://www.oberoihotels.com/ [http://www.oberoihotels.com ] | http://www.tridenthotels.com/ [http://www.tridenthotels.com ]

Primary Media Contact: Ms. Silki Sehgal, silki.nanda@oberoigroup.com, 91-11-23890505

Secondary Media Contact: Ms. Deepti Bhadoria, deepti@corvoshandwick.co.in, 91-11-40501243