Wrapping Up the HOST Project
Empowering Hospitality Managers and HR Experts
The HOST Project Training Course for Hospitality Managers and HR Experts is nearing its completion! Over the past few months, the project consortium has dedicated itself to extensive research and the development of training materials tailored to the genuine needs and challenges faced by both employers and staff with autism within the European hospitality industry.
The aim of the HOST VET Course has been clear from the outset: to provide a comprehensive training program geared towards enhancing the skills, knowledge, and competencies required for effectively managing, developing, and retaining staff with autism in the European Hospitality Industry.
Our efforts have resulted in the creation of a robust curriculum, encompassing five key modules:
🌻 Module 1: General Information about the Autism Spectrum: This module serves to inform learners about autism, helping them identify the typical needs of staff with autism and promoting understanding and effective support among colleagues and employees.
🌻 Module 2: Hospitality Management Soft Skills: Focusing on communication, behavior, and motivation, this module equips learners with the skills necessary for motivating others, giving feedback, and effectively communicating job profiles, work, and tasks.
🌻 Module 3: Change Management: Hospitality managers are trained in planning, managing, and leading change within their organizations, ensuring smooth transitions and adaptation to new processes.
🌻 Module 4: Support Management: Introducing learners to the concept of planning, developing, and implementing actions and activities that support the employment and development of autistic employees in the EU Hospitality Sector.
🌻 Module 5: Evaluation and Monitoring: This module provides practical guidance to hospitality managers in supporting autistic staff throughout the entire employment process, from recruitment to ongoing evaluation and support.
Project Work and Milestones
As the curtains draw to a close on the HOST Project,
it's time to reflect on the journey, the milestones achieved, and the impact
created in the realm of hospitality management.
Identifying Training Needs
The HOST partnership conducted a thorough analysis, including both online and offline interviews among tourism managers, to identify the training needs and challenges faced in supporting staff with autism. Results indicated a growing trend towards social responsibility and inclusivity in the workplace, with a significant percentage of organizations already implementing or considering implementation of social responsibility policies.
First Transnational Partners' Meeting
(TPM):
The project kick-started in Cyprus, with the aim to equip hospitality HR and management departments with education and tools for inclusive employment practices. Objectives were set, including the delivery of a tailor-made VET methodology and course, along with a board game as a learning tool for staff with autism.
Second TPM in Riga, Latvia:
Brainstorming sessions fueled discussions on the development of the HOST Board Game in Latvia, emphasizing the need to respect diverse experiences and generations in the workplace. The game aims to bridge the gap between non-ASD and ASD colleagues while fostering skill development and team-building.
Third TPM in Vienna:
Partners tested the mechanics of the HOST Board Game and planned the next steps for its development. This meeting marked another stride towards the project's completion, showcasing the commitment of all partners towards creating impactful resources.
The Impact:
The anticipated outcome of the HOST Project is profound - a VET Course empowering hospitality managers and HR experts to support staff with autism, and a board game facilitating skill development and inclusivity in the workplace. As the project nears its finalization, early access to materials invites stakeholders to provide valuable feedback, ensuring the course and game meet the real needs of the industry.
Contact us
As we approach the final stages of the project, we invite interested parties to acquire early access to the materials. Your feedback will be invaluable as we put the finishing touches on the VET Course. Feel free to reach out to any of our consortium partners:
@SPECIALISTERNE (Denmark)
@LAS (Latvia)
@DEKAPLUS (Cyprus)
@BEST (Austria)
@8D GAMES (Netherlands)
@KALLIS FILOXENIAKI (Cyprus)
For more information and updates, check out previous articles or visit our Facebook page: HOST Project ! Together, we're paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive hospitality industry for all.
