IHG® and JA Worldwide host First Look Event for students in Germany

IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, and IW JUNIOR, member of JA Worldwide (Junior Achievement Worldwide), came together at the Regent® Berlin yesterday to host the inaugural IHG First Look Event in Germany. Up to 25 students, aged 15-16, from the Caspar David Friedrich School in Berlin-Hellersdorf spent the day experiencing the opportunities offered by the hospitality industry. Activities varied from initial presentations and job shadowing to hotel room checks and supporting tasks at the restaurant.

After announcing their partnership with JA Worldwide in September 2019, IHG has focused on developing a curriculum to run dedicated hotel work experiences for students – IHG First Look Events. The events provide young people, typically aged between 14-18, with the opportunity to receive hands-on experience working in a hotel. The combination of classroom tutorials and practical work provides students with a realistic vision into what a career in hospitality involves. IHG has already held a series of First Look Events around the world, partnering with the local JA network in London, the USA and Dubai.

IHG and JA Worldwide are working in partnership to showcase the breadth of roles and opportunities within the hospitality industry. IHG’s First Look Events give students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the industry, meet and hear from colleagues working at the hotel and take part in challenges that help them understand the range of skills required to work in hospitality.

Michael Wierling, Human Resources Director, Southern and Northern Europe, IHG commented:  “We’re delighted to bring our partnership with JA to Germany and welcome students to the prestigious Regent Berlin. IHG is committed to inspiring young people about the wealth of opportunities within the hospitality industry and our IHG First Look Events are a perfect way to do this. We’ve had great feedback from the students and really hope this experience encourages them to think seriously about a career in our industry. We look forward to welcoming more students to our hotels in Germany very soon.”

Asheesh Advani, CEO, JA Worldwide, commented: “Working with IHG gives JA the opportunity to engage our students with the hospitality industry, which we know offers rich and varied opportunities in the world of work. Just like IHG, JA is a global organization in more than 100 countries, and this sets us up well for what will be an inspiring and fruitful partnership that helps create pathways to employability and job creation in the tourism sector.”

The year-long partnership between IHG and JA Worldwide will see more than 750 students supported in a total of 9 markets worldwide. Further IHG First Look Events are planned to take place in the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, France, UAE, Japan and China.