The Essential Role of Awarding Bodies in Skill Development: Spotlight on the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council

By- Mr. Mohd. Tameem Alam, Assistant Manager – Assessment & Certification

Awarding bodies, such as the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), play a critical role in India’s skill development ecosystem. As a Sector Skill Council, THSC is responsible for assessing and certifying candidates to meet industry standards, ensuring fair and accurate evaluations. By bridging the gap between skill acquisition and workforce demands in sectors like tourism and hospitality, THSC significantly contributes to creating a skilled and job-ready workforce.

 Establishing Industry Standards
THSC collaborates with industry leaders, trainers, and subject-matter experts to develop robust guidelines and assessment frameworks. These standards ensure that candidates acquire the knowledge and competencies necessary to thrive in the evolving tourism and hospitality sectors. A certification from THSC goes beyond being a formal credential—it serves as a credible endorsement of a candidate’s ability to perform essential job tasks, enhancing both their employability and professional credibility.

  Since its inception, THSC has conducted over 14.5 lakhs assessments and developed a pool of more than 650 certified assessors who evaluate candidates across various job roles. This extensive experience underscores THSC’s commitment to maintaining quality and relevance in skill certification.

 Key Job Roles Certified by THSC
THSC’s certification programs focus on a wide range of critical job roles in the tourism and hospitality sector, ensuring that candidates are equipped to meet industry standards and expectations. These roles include Food & Beverage Service Assistant, Guest Service Associate (Front Office), and Food & Beverage Service – Associate, which emphasizes excellence in customer service and operational efficiency. For more specialized roles, certifications are offered for Guest Service Executive (Front Office), Customer Service Executive (Meet and Greet), and Guest Service Associate (Housekeeping), ensuring a seamless guest experience. Additionally, job roles like Commis Chef, Assistant Chef, and Tour Guide focus on culinary and experiential services, vital for enhancing guest satisfaction. Lastly, the Counter Sales Executive – Tourism and Hospitality role supports the retail and customer interaction aspects of the industry, making certified candidates highly valuable across multiple domains. These certifications prepare candidates for successful careers while meeting the workforce demands of the sector.

Ensuring Quality Through Compliance and Collaboration
THSC adheres to the guidelines established by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and works in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). These collaborations align skill training programs with India’s Skill India Mission.

 Under the guidance of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), THSC’s efforts aim to ensure the tourism and hospitality sector has access to a skilled and certified workforce, enabling the sector to meet both domestic and global demands.

Practical Assessments for Real-World Application
THSC prioritizes practical, scenario-based assessments to prepare candidates for real-world challenges. This approach allows candidates to gain hands-on experience, boosting their confidence and job readiness.
For employers in the competitive tourism and hospitality industry, certifications act as a reliable tool for identifying qualified talent in roles such as Commis Chef, Tour Guide, or Guest Service Executive (Front Office). In many instances, possessing a THSC certification is a decisive factor in securing a position in the job market.

Global Recognition and Enhanced Employability
A major advantage of THSC certifications is their international recognition. With these credentials, candidates can explore job opportunities not just in India but also in global markets. This global acknowledgment significantly enhances candidates’ career prospects, making them more attractive to employers worldwide.

 For businesses, certified professionals in roles like Food & Beverage Service – Associate or Counter Sales Executive – Tourism and Hospitality bring assured competency, helping companies meet industry standards and improve service delivery. This ensures a more efficient workforce and contributes to the sustained success of the tourism and hospitality sector.

 Supporting India’s Skill Development Goals
THSC plays a pivotal role in maintaining the quality and relevance of skill assessments and certifications. Through partnerships with NCVET, NSDC, and MSDE, THSC contributes to creating a highly skilled workforce that supports the growth and modernization of the tourism and hospitality industries.