MIC Institute of Technology Limited (MIC-IT) launched its new trainee engagement series, Inside the Industry, on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, at the MIC-IT Head Office, Macoya, with an inaugural session focused on Hospitality.
The session, titled Inside the Industry: Hospitality Edition – Real Stories and Advice from International Hospitality Professionals, brought MIC-IT’s Culinary trainees together with local and international hospitality professionals for a practical discussion on service standards, workplace readiness, career development and opportunities within the sector.
The mentorship session included Ria La Fleur, Head of Training, Excellence Hub, United Hospitality Management, The Palms, Dubai; representatives from The Brix Autograph Collection by Marriott, including Shala Clarke, Director of Human Resources, and Jamie Towine, Restaurant Supervisor; along with Colin Mohammed, Hospitality Consultant, MIC-IT.
The speakers offered perspectives across training and development, human resources, restaurant operations and hospitality consultancy, giving trainees a broader understanding of how technical skills, conduct and service culture shape career progression.
Opening the series, Mr Nazim Hosein, Chairman of MIC-IT, outlined the Institution’s continued focus on rebuilding its technical training mandate, strengthening programme relevance and increasing engagement between trainees and industry. “Technical education must prepare trainees for real working environments, where skill must bematched by discipline, judgement, consistency and professionalism. Inside the Industry gives them access to people who understand those expectations first-hand.”
The Honourable Wayne Sturge, Minister of Defence and Minister in the Ministry of Homeland Security, encouraged trainees to treat hospitality as a profession rooted in discipline, adaptability, service and pride in their work. He also commended MIC-IT for creating a platform that connects young people with professionals who can share practical experience. “Hospitality is built on technical skill, but success also depends on attitude, work ethic and the care you put into what you do. The people you serve will know when your work is done with pride.”
Dr the Honourable David Lee, Minister of Housing and former Chairman of MIC-IT, reflected on MIC-IT’s history, its role in technical and vocational training, and the importance of strengthening hospitality training as part of national skills development. “MIC-IT has always had an important role in giving people practical skills that can change the direction of their lives. It is encouraging to see renewed focus on hospitality training, because this is an area that is well needed in our country.”
Drawing on her 19 years of luxury hospitality experience across Trinidad and Tobago and the United Arab Emirates, Ms La Fleur encouraged trainees to see hospitality as a global profession that requires attitude, communication, empathy, consistency and a willingness to keep learning. “Hospitality is people taking care of people. It is a profession that can take you anywhere in the world, but success depends on how you communicate, how you serve, how you represent your organisation and how willing you are to go beyond what is written in your job description.”
Senator Professor Emeritus the Honourable Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, served as the Feature Speaker and addressed the theme “Hospitality and Tourism as a Gateway to Global Opportunities.” He linked the session to national efforts to strengthen skills training, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and economic diversification. “Hospitality and Tourism can create meaningful opportunities for young people and support the wider diversification of the economy. Skills training must be treated with the same respect as traditional academic education, because every sector depends on people who can perform with competence, professionalism and pride.”
Delivering closing remarks, Mr Deosaran Boodooram, Director of MIC-IT, reinforced the value of mentorship, industry exposure and continued learning in helping traineesunderstand the possibilities available through hospitality training. He encouraged trainees to see the sector as a respected career pathway and to apply the lessons shared by the speakers as they move forward.
“Inside the Industry” will continue to create opportunities for MIC-IT trainees to engage directly with professionals who understand the demands of the workplace. The inaugural Hospitality session underscored the value of industry exposure in helping trainees connect their technical training with the standards, confidence and professional mindset required to pursue meaningful careers.