Since 2004, IHG Academy has been offering people valuable work experience and life skills through hotel internships and placements globally, with more than 80,000 people positively impacted in the past eight years alone.

To broaden its reach further, IHG Academy has evolved with the launch of a best-in-class online learning platform called IHG Skills Academy, which will provide a space for IHG and like-minded partners to offer free online education, courses and opportunities for people looking to build their confidence and get employment ready. The new digital platform will enhance IHG Academy’s contribution to the company’s Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plans, with a focus on improving the lives of 30 million people by 2030.

Working with its partner, Learning Pool, and leading national and international organizations including the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, St. Mungo’s, Barnardo’s and Only A Pavement Away, IHG aims to support hundreds of thousands of people over the next decade who face barriers to education and training.

The IHG Skills Academy platform is now live in the UK and will roll out across the rest of the world in multiple languages throughout 2022, with the addition of localized partners and even more learning content. To support a sustainable pipeline of talent for the hospitality industry, new features are already being developed in the platform, which will enable IHG to tailor and fast-track the recruitment process for participants who have completed certain modules. IHG is also working with its business and supply chain partners to explore online and in-person opportunities for participants beyond the hospitality industry.