Sandals Partners with Toronto Metropolitan University to Boost Hospitality Training

L-R: Dean of Ted Rogers School of Management Dr. Cynthia Holmes, Provost and Vice President of the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Dr. Roberto Ianncito-Provenzano, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts Adam Stewart, Senior Corporate Director of the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) Dr Luz Longsworth, and Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang after signing a memorandum of understanding between SCU and TMU

By Admin. Updated 12:48 p.m., Thursday, March 13 Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Sandals Corporate University (SCU) has recently announced their step in the development of its team members by collaborating with yet another prestigious international institution, the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).

The SCU signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Canada-based university at Sandals, Montego Bay. This MOU aims to enhance academic and workforce development in hospitality, tourism, business, and management fields through TMU’s Ted Rogers School of Management.

As part of this collaboration, both institutions will facilitate internships and placements at Sandals and Beaches Resorts while developing specialised executive training programmes to further strengthen the skills and expertise of team members.

Senior Corporate Director of the SCU, Dr. Luz Longsworth highlighted that the MOU is already bearing fruit, with new projects in development. “These initiatives will include an exciting suite of courses on cutting-edge topics for our leaders and team members in areas such as digital innovation, strategic communication, mindfulness in leadership and big data in strategic decision-making,” Dr. Longsworth stated.

These initiatives are set to launch later this year.

Meanwhile, Provost and Vice President of Toronto Metropolitan University, Dr. Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano said she had the opportunity to witness Sandals’ operations firsthand over the past few days, including the resort brand’s annual Prestige Awards, which honour outstanding team members.

“It was clear the importance Sandals places on community and well-being. I can see that reflected in your team, and you should be really proud,” Lannacito-Provenzano expressed to Sandals Resorts’ Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart. “What I saw is that people truly care for each other. We are proud to collaborate with institutions like Sandals that embody these values.”

This marks the third Memorandum of Understanding for the Sandals Corporate University (SCU), following similar engagements with the UWI Global Campus and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. Notable collaborations also include ongoing initiatives with the Florida International University and the Les Roches School of Global Hospitality.

Delivering the keynote address at the signing, Stewart highlighted SCU’s commitment to aligning with internationally recognised universities to enhance hospitality training and create learning pathways for team members.

He expressed pride in the impact of the Sandals Corporate University on its team members not just in Jamaica but across the Caribbean.

“This is the Caribbean Dream. This company has demonstrated that what originates from the Caribbean can stand proudly on the world stage—provided we give our people the opportunity,” Stewart stated. “Being able to create connections like this with TMU is truly impactful. On behalf of our 18,000-plus team members and the students who will benefit from exchange programmes, I say thank you for the confidence and the opportunity to collaborate with Toronto Metropolitan University.”