Industry Connect: HMTI Unlocked – Season 1
SVGCC’s Hospitality and Maritime Training Institute Hosts First Industry Connect Day
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC), through its Hospitality and Maritime Training Institute (HMTI), successfully hosted its inaugural Industry Connect Day – HMTI Unlocked: Season 1 on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
The initiative, which will be held once per semester, seeks to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations by connecting students with experienced professionals in hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, and food and beverage management.
Through interactive discussions, practical demonstrations, and firsthand industry insights, students gained valuable exposure to career opportunities, professional expectations, and the realities of working in these dynamic industries.
Head of the Institute, Ms. Stacy Balcombe, is encouraging Vincentian professionals working regionally and internationally in hospitality, tourism, and the culinary fields, to give back by sharing their knowledge and experiences with the next generation of professionals.
“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.”
HMTI extends sincere appreciation to its Season 1 industry partners and contributors, including Holiday Inn Express and Suites, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Hotel and Tourism Association (SVGHTA), Coreas Tours, Harry D Mixologist, KJ’s Bar Services, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, Xavier Stapleton, and La Vue Hotel and Beach Club.
Special appreciation is also extended to Paragon Model Management for facilitating a confidence-building session aimed at helping students develop their self-confidence, posture, and personal presentation.
HMTI Unlocked: Season 2 will be held in February 2027, as the Institute continues to create meaningful connections between education and industry while preparing students for careers locally, regionally, and internationally.
