Sponsored by Portfolio International

2004 winner John Guthrie

"It's as though he has read the higher education White Paper and then put it into practice. This is exactly what the Government is trying to achieve"







Last year this award welcomed an operator into the Catey hall of fame to sit alongside our inaugural winner from the world of academia.

Sponsored by Portfolio International, the long-overdue Education and Training Award was introduced to recognise individuals that help create the high-flying managers of tomorrow through the provision of inspiring training.

With the JobCentre reporting that the hospitality industry faces a tough festive period (with nearly 44,000 mainly skilled positions remaining unfilled) it's clear that recognising those that attract and retain the increasingly valuable business commodity we call staff deserve to be celebrated.

Last year John Guthrie, head of management development at hotel company Hilton International, was chosen for his work on overseeing and leading the creation of the Hilton University - an e-learning initiative he set up in February 2002 - after moving from an unconnected role in human resources.

An enormously ambitious project, the university now helps 80,000 employees in more than 70 countries develop their careers. Its 10 million users a year can learn English (if it's not their mother tongue) and take training modules divided by operational areas and seniority, and built up on a clear and relevant structure. The process can be undertaken individually or within employee teams.

It was enough to prompt Hilton's president, Wolfgang Neumann, to say in Guthrie's nomination submission: "He put learning at the heart of Hilton's business plan."

Our very first winner, and a judge for last year's competition, professor David Foskett, associate dean at London school of hospitality, Thames Valley University, added: "It's as though he has read the higher education White Paper and then put it into practice. This is exactly what the Government is trying to achieve. The University really does represent life-long and integrated learning."

Judge Tim Cooke, previously head of hospitality at Westminster Kingsway College, said: "I'm impressed by how recent this all is. This is the sort of thing people should be doing. He's pushing the boundaries of education from the industry side."

If you think you know someone who deserves to receive this award, fill in the attached form (see below). The closing date for nominations is Friday 4 February 2005, and judging will take place at a London BaxterStorey contract on 28 April.


Judges Criteria
The Education and Training Award will go to someone who:
- Has demonstrated an innovative approach to continuous learning with particular regard to the needs of the hospitality industry.
- Has developed strong links with the industry.
- Has developed initiatives in training that have added value.
- Has demonstrated an ability to adapt to the changing needs of the market.
- Has made a contribution over and above their job.

Don't forget
All nominations in this category MUST be accompanied by a supporting statement.