Students Meet the Industry at HMTI’s First ‘Unlocked’ Day
By Admin. Updated 3:04 p.m., Thursday, October 22, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Students at the Hospitality and Maritime Training Institute (HMTI) traded the textbook for real-world experience on Wednesday, spending the day with people already doing the jobs they hope to do.
The St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC), through HMTI, held its first Industry Connect Day on October 21. The event was branded HMTI Unlocked: Season 1. It brought professionals from hospitality, tourism, culinary arts and food and beverage management face to face with the next generation of workers in those fields.
The goal is straightforward. HMTI wants to close the gap between what students learn in class and what employers expect once they are on the job. The Institute now plans to hold the event once every semester.
Through interactive discussions and practical demonstrations, professionals gave students a frank look at life in the industry. Students learned about the career paths open to them, the standards employers expect, and the day-to-day realities of working in fast-moving sectors such as tourism and food service.
Head of the Institute Ms Stacy Balcombe used the occasion to make a direct appeal. She called on Vincentian professionals working in hospitality, tourism and the culinary field, both in the region and further afield, to give back to students at home.
“We encourage Vincentians working across the region and internationally to make time during their visits home to reach out to HMTI and engage with our students. Our students are eager to learn, ask questions, and gain insights from those who have built successful careers in the industry. Even an hour of your time can make a meaningful difference in shaping a student’s future.”
Several partners and contributors supported the first edition. They included Holiday Inn, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Hotel and Tourism Association (SVGHTA), Coreas Tours Co., Harry D Mixologist, KJ’s Bar Services, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, Xavier Stapleton and La Vue. HMTI thanked all of them for their contributions.
Paragon Model Management also received special thanks for leading a session on confidence. It helped students work on their self-assurance, posture and personal presentation, skills that matter in industries built on serving guests.
HMTI Unlocked: Season 2 is set for February 2027. The Institute says it will keep building links between the classroom and the industry, preparing students for careers at home, across the region and internationally.
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