ROLE OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT IN PROMOTING THE GROWTH OF HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY I J M © I A E M E

ABSTRACT "Training refers to the methods used to give new or present employees the skills they need to perform their jobs". Development can be most loosely defined as the advancement of an employee's existing skills to help them meet new needs or to prepare them for new roles. Therefore, the difference between the two can be decided as development builds on existing skills for more than direct job related activities and training gives employees new skills or knowledge that will assist in their job performance. However, both are used hand-in-hand as employers seek to make their employees more knowledgeable and their organizations more competitive. In order to provide that level of training there are several things that must take place within an organization. "The first step in training is to determine what training, if any, is required". Training would include the evaluation of what skills are needed to perform a job and also the assessment of the skills employees already have. Therefore, the gap between the two becomes the subject of training. An employee is the biggest asset in this service industry. Building loyalty and keeping him motivated is a function of two things, among others. By showing a clear career growth path to an employee, and training him to achieve those meaningful goals, supplemented by monetary compensation and job satisfaction will go a long way to retain them. Today, training techniques have metamorphosed. The emphasis leans towards improving holistic behavioural trends and technical skills, with more exposure given at an early stage. To supplement this, corporate trainers, role-playing, case studies, practical drills, situational handling skills, etc come into play. Hospitality sector is growing at a very fast rate in India. This sector can be classified into hotel industry, travel and tourism, restaurants, pubs, clubs and bars, contract catering, and aviation. Other than that, opportunities also exist in universities, sporting venues, exhibition centers and smaller events management companies. The major challenge of this sector is shortage of skilled employees along with the challenge of attrition rate. Skilled chefs and managers are in great demand. Managers require huge range of competencies such as, people management, viable skills, business insights, analytic skills, succession planning, and resource development in order to get success in this sector. In addition to that, employees are not enough trained on Business Etiquettes, Courtesy, and Business Communication. Hospitality is all about handling people. So an employee must have right attitude, tolerance, and listening skills in order to move up the hierarchy. There is still a long way to go to inculcate good public relation, interpersonal skills