Empowering Hospitality Trainers: The P.R.O.F Journey in Southeast Asia
January 7, 2025

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Since the launch in 2021, the P.R.O.F program has inspired and empowered more than 80 trainees from 16 schools & organizations in 5 Southeast Asian countries (Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines). Under the support from the ASSET-H&C network by IECD, the program is about to launch its 4th batch of trainees in 2025.  

The diverse background of staff and trainers is both the advantage and disadvantage for many vocational training centers in hospitality. ASSET-H&C member schools also share the same nature and demand for staff development, specifically in pedagogical skills. From here, the P.R.O.F journey began.  

Initiated by the IECD, the Parcours de Renforcement Opérationnel des Formateurs, or P.R.O.F, aims to enhance the pedagogical competencies of the IECD trainers. Through training, mentorship, knowledge sharing as a community, P.R.O.F was designed as a collaborative space with trainees at the center of each stage, which respects the differences in backgrounds, contexts and expertise of trainees. By enhancing trainers’ pedagogical skills, P.R.O.F contributes to improving their professional practices. 

P.R.O.F stages illustrated by Javier Almagro – IECD Pedagogical Expert in Southeast Asia 

After 4 years of implementation, the P.R.O.F program has harvested some specific progress including:  

  • 82 trainees, 4 of whom have stepped up as the P.R.O.F referents multiplying the same training to their colleagues and trainers. 
  • 16 schools, 6 of which are applying some or the complete training format of P.R.O.F in their training of trainers.  
  • 1 trainer from the P.R.O.F have become the P.R.O.F Coordinator after completing the program.  

Now, let’s hear our trainees’ feedback about their experience with P.R.O.F in different stages:  

Khim Phearom – P.R.O.F Basic Trainees batch 3, Pastry Instructor at Bayon Pastry School – Siem Reap – Cambodia:

“I really enjoyed the workshop, which provided opportunities for improvement and boosted my confidence. I learned valuable pedagogical methods and embraced diverse ideas from participants from different countries. The engaging format and activities were especially exciting, as I can apply them in my school.” 

  • Tuyet Dang – P.R.O.F Referent, Deputy Training Manager at KOTO – Bac Ninh – Vietnam:  

“Actually, it was a great chance to join the workshop. I learned from others—the participants were energetic and brought unique perspectives, which encouraged me a lot. The referents shared their pedagogical skills, from how they manage classes to how they deliver lessons and assess participants. I feel really grateful for their inspiration and the interesting ideas they shared.” 

Achievements of P.R.O.F is brought about by the support of IECD experts & staff, ASSET-H&C school members, most importantly, the dedication, hard work & expertise of all trainees across the Southeast Asia during their participation to the program.  

Succeeding the progress, the P.R.O.F program will consolidate a community of competent & passionate trainers in 2025 with the 4th batch of basic training, 2nd batch of referents, and 3rd batch of advanced training.  

 

For more information about the P.R.O.F program and 2025 plan, please reach out to us via ASSET-H&C fanpage or email at asset@iecd.org.  

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