CAY HILL – On January 17th 2017, the Chairman of the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) board, Antonio Aventurin and the Chairlady of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) board, Lorraine Talmi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Additional persons who were present to witness the signing, and who will be directly involved in the activities outlined in the MOU included: NIPA Interim Executive Director  Patricia Lourens- Philip, NIPA Interim director, Tasheena Maccow-Thomas, Renatta de Weever representing the Hospitality sector at NIPA, NIPA Job Coach Coordinator Andrea Gibson-Paul and SHTA Executive Director Wyb Meijer.

Considering that NIPA and SHTA have agreeable mission statements, they have entered into a formal collaborative relationship to allow NIPA students to share in additional work experience on-the –job training and instruction, which NIPA students can benefit from.

The MOU outlines that the SHTA will recommend placement services for the Hospitality students of NIPA who are desirous of executing their internship “work/ learning hours” at properties and offices of companies who are members of the SHTA organization.

NIPA and SHTA share common interest in providing a rigorous curriculum, to equip students with a broad-based view of the hospitality industry, and in-depth training,  in the methodologies necessary to succeed as practicing hospitality workers and community members.

Both parties are very pleased about the collaboration and look forward to a fruitful relationship in the future.