Training and development talent lie at the heart of THB hotels’ strategy. Indeed, they are the drivers behind THB College, the chain’s corporate academy, which is conceived as a space for learning, career growth and social innovation that positions people at the core of the project.
Since it was founded in 2014, THB College has worked to professionalise and upskill teams through various training pathways aligned with the real needs of the hotel sector, while promoting values such as sustainability, equal opportunities and social responsibility.
In order to gain a full insight into the origins, evolution and impact of this project, we talked to Ana Zorita, Director of Training and Quality at THB hotels; Fernanda Almazán, Head of Academic Coordination at THB College; and Marga Negre from the Quality Department. They explained how dual training and the in-company model are transforming the present and future of the firm’s talent.
1. How did the idea for THB College come about, and what was the principal reason for its creation?
The College was founded on firm convictions aimed at solving the challenge of professionalising and upskilling the THB hotels workforce, while at the same time driving our employees’ personal and professional development.
In this sense, the main mission of THB College is to maintain a team of people who are developing their skills to the full in a responsible manner.
2. What needs or challenges did you identify in the hotel sector that led you to found the College?
THB College was established in 2014 in response to a series of structural challenges affecting the hotel sector. At that time, we identified a shortage of qualified workers and increasing difficulties in filling certain roles.
In addition, there was limited job diversification beyond the traditional tourism model, insufficient generational renewal in key professions, which jeopardised the transfer of strategic knowledge, and a gender gap that was still evident in employment rates and working conditions.
Faced with the lack of specialised profiles and the limited future prospects of the tourism ecosystem among young people, we decided to create our own space for training, development and career growth. This is how THB College came about, intended to professionalise and upskill our teams, while at the same time promoting a vision of tourism as a sound and exciting career option with a promising future.
3. Could you give an insight into the THB College training pathway?
The College offers a range of educational projects linked to the hotel industry and management. For instance, we work with Talent Programmes, which are individually mentored career development plans, as well as Postgraduate (Expert) Programmes focused on specialisation and high performance, with a strong emphasis on internal promotion.
Special mention should be made of the Dual Vocational Training Project, a unique, pioneering “in-company” programme where students learn in real-life settings. We replace traditional classrooms with hotel-schools, where knowledge is put into practice through an authentic experience that brings together training and professional experience, ensuring education that is aligned with the real needs of the sector. In addition, participants obtain a Vocational Training Certificate and a firm commitment to career development within the company.
4. THB College is a “School of Social Innovation”. What does that mean exactly?
THB College is not a school in the traditional sense. Our teaching is based on Dual Vocational Training, meaningful learning and precision pedagogy, shaping a true School of Social Innovation.
Beyond training, we provide a job from day one, promoting youth employment and employability, focusing especially on groups with fewer academic or professional opportunities. We encourage equality, tolerance and social inclusion, embedding social responsibility, sustainable development and responsible citizenship across all our training programmes.
The result is a people-centric working environment, with committed teams who are driving the future challenges of THB hotels.
5. How are these programmes integrated into the hotels’ day-to-day operations? What milestones would you highlight to date?
We are currently working with the 23rd Dual Vocational Training cohort, with specialisations in Food & Beverage, Culinary Arts, Accommodation, Hotel Management, Web Application Development (DAW) and Hotel Maintenance.
To date, 32 cohorts have completed the courses, receiving Professional Certificates officially recognised by Spain’s Ministry of Education. In total, 510 students have completed their training, and 65% of them have developed a career plan within THB hotels and 75% are still with the company.
6. Sustainability is a core element of THB hotels’ strategy. How is this value developed in the training programmes?
All our programmes include cross-cutting competences linked to shared responsibility, such as Environmental Education, Sociocultural Commitment and Diversity, Sustainable Development and Innovation, Ethics and Team Cohesion, and Equal Opportunities.
7. How important is environmental education and raising awareness among staff?
Environmental education is a cross-cutting competence across all training pathways. The company’s processes are aligned with ISO 14001 standards, as well as with the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda.
Work in this area is ongoing through meaningful learning experiences, such as educational visits, masterclasses, workshops and collaborative projects, and many of these initiatives are later transferred to the hotels.
8. How do you select THB College students?
We receive a considerable volume of unsolicited applications, and we also work with social organisations, educational institutions and employment services. The selection process is open and transparent, assessing candidates’ motivation, vocation for the sector, willingness to engage in continuous learning and alignment with the company’s values.
9. What kind of monitoring do students receive during their training period in the hotels?
Ongoing monitoring is a fundamental pillar of the model, as practical performance accounts for 50% of the final assessment. Students are supported by tutors within the hotels, who work in coordination with the THB College pedagogical team and provide continuous guidance throughout their professional and personal development.
10. What does it mean for the THB College team to see so many professionals grow within the project?
It’s a huge responsibility, but also an immense source of pride. Our greatest reward is seeing young people who started with no experience achieving positions of responsibility or even training new generations. They are undoubtedly the finest ambassadors of THB College.
11. What indicators do you use to measure the success of the programmes?
Success is measured not only through academic results, but also the real impact on people and the company. We analyse indicators such as graduation rates, student and teaching staff satisfaction, performance appraisals at the hotel, as well as ongoing training and employment continuity.
12. How does dual training impact on young people’s employability?
Dual training has a very significant impact on employability. The data confirm high rates of job placement and professional continuity, reinforcing THB hotels’ commitment to a model that combines learning with real-world experience in professional environments.
13. What’s next for THB College?
Our goal is to continue consolidating and expanding the training model, incorporating new specialisations and innovating in education. We aim to keep transforming lives through education and to remain a benchmark in dual vocational training.
Training people, inspiring vocations and transforming the future of the sector: this is, and will continue to be, THB College’s fundamental objective.