From 25th to 27th August 2024, representatives from the Culinary Arts Institute at Varna University of Management (VUM) embarked on a three-day staff mobility for training at the renowned hotel chain Atlantica Hotels and Resorts in Cyprus. The participants in this training programme were Chef Hugues, Programme Director and Head Chef Instructor at the Culinary Arts Institute, and Vesselina Dimitrova, Head of the Career Centre at VUM.
The primary aim of this training was to enhance the preparation of students for their internships and placements in hotel kitchens, while also streamlining the student placement processes. Chef Hugues familiarised himself with the specific requirements and operational practices of the hotel kitchens, while Vesselina Dimitrova participated in training sessions within Atlantica’s HR department, where strategies for optimising student mobility programmes were discussed.
During their visit, the VUM representatives held a series of meetings with hotel managers and students currently undertaking their internships. Among them was first-year student Peter Setiamanah, enrolled in the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts programme, who is currently completing his placement at Atlantica Mare Village in Ayia Napa.
The training concluded with a visit to the Aphrodite Hills Resort, where Chef Hugues and Vesselina Dimitrova met with senior managers and chefs to explore future opportunities for collaboration, including expanding the scope of student and staff mobility programmes.
VUM would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Atlantica Hotels and Resorts for their hospitality and the valuable insights gained during this instructive visit, which will undoubtedly contribute to the better preparation of our students.