The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic hit Cape Verde’s School of Hospitality and Tourism particularly hard, so a solution to restart its activities, as well as to address the challenges faced by young people trying to find work in the tourism sector was much needed. The TUI Academy Sal is designed for young people from disadvantaged communities and provides the opportunity for vocational training to the population of Sal.

The project will run until September 2025 and will train 350 young people through its two courses: Bar & Restaurant and Kitchen & Pastry. 

The project started with a pilot programme in 2022 to train the first 30 participants. Tutors based in the hotels were trained to accompany the trainees and enable the success of the project.

The training model comprises theoretic training in the classroom (3 months), as well as a practical training in employment (5 months). The courses are based on the National Qualifications System training programme and modules are being jointly developed with the participating units. The pilot training comprised 960 hours (360 hours for theoretical component and 600 hours, which is the equivalent of 5 months, in employment).

The trainings in highest demand aim to prepare the young Cape Verdeans to work in the hospitality sector. So, the TUI Academy Sal will start with these two courses and add specialised classes in hospitality and restaurant skills as ongoing training for the existing staff at hotels on Sal Island. Training in behavioural and motivational skills is also included, to prepare the trainees for the demands of the market. Trainees will use different techniques and equipment to recreate a normal day of work in a hotel or restaurant as much as possible.