The vision of the Honduran Crew Training Center (HCTC) originally came about during a recruiting mission to Honduras in 2013 by Alejandro Kindsvater (Progress International representative for the Americas). Nelson Cardoza, the Honduras Crew Agency Director, shared his ambitious idea about developing an exciting Cruise Training Center right in his own local town, Puerto Cortes and received a positive promise of collaboration from Progress International, the world’s leading training provider for pre-embarkation cruise training across the spectrum of all positions on board.
The main concept behind Nelson’s vision is to offer new job opportunities to people with little or no experience seeking cruise employment from the area of San Pedro Sula and in the wider sense across Central America.
Nelson Cardoza, a former Costa Crociere Manager with extensive on board experience, built a strong reputation within the Cruise Industry over the past few years for his recruitment services, subsequently, moving into the field of training would appear to be a logical development. This coupled with the fact that there is a strong demand for qualified crew within the cruise industry overall (between 8-12 mega Cruise ships are forecasted to enter service each year for the next 5 years) makes the timing of this training initiative ideal.
Alejandro Kindsvater, who is equally experienced on board, knew in an instance that together with Progress International, Nelson’s vision could become a reality. This initial conversation was followed up by numerous brainstorming sessions and virtual workshops, involving a number of other Senior Cruise Industry veterans such as Grant Holmes (CEO of Progress International) and Alberto Civitella (Progress International Consultant). Agreements in principle were developed and progress was swift. The opening launch took place recently in May 2014 with great fanfare of local folklore performances that were featured in local TV, Radio and widespread press coverage throughout Honduras.
Today HCTC has already executed “Technical Fast Track Training” for the positions of:
- Restaurant Waiter
- Bar Waiter
- Housekeepers
HCTC offers a portfolio of professional Technical Courses, Language courses, HACCP Certification and Vocational training to facilitate employment opportunities for aspiring new recruits. The Training Center itself boasts an attractive beachfront location and contains all the necessary equipment to simulate technical training for future Crew. HCTC also plans to implement BST and compulsory Safety training along with a series of other Progress International courses.
Such positive developments create new and extraordinary opportunities within the region, aligning the human capital of the Center America with the highest international requirements and standards demanded by Cruise Lines.
School Contacts
Email: info@hcrewtraining.com
Facebook: Honduran Crew Training Center
Certification
