Author – Ritesh Ranjan: SRM Institute of Hotel Management has taken a major step towards strengthening global career opportunities for hospitality and culinary students. The institute, located on the SRM Institute of Science and Technology campus in Kattankulathur, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kamaxi Skills, Goa, to introduce industry-linked training programmes that can prepare students for international hospitality careers.
The agreement was signed on 18 April 2026 and is expected to create new academic and professional pathways for students interested in working in cruise lines, luxury hotels, overseas kitchens, international bakeries and global catering establishments. With the hospitality industry becoming increasingly global, this partnership comes at an important time for students who want practical skills, international exposure and strong placement support.
A Partnership Focused on Global Careers
The collaboration between SRM Institute of Hotel Management and Kamaxi Skills is designed to connect classroom learning with real industry requirements. Kamaxi Skills is well known for hospitality training and placement support, especially in cruise lines and international job markets. Through this partnership, SRM students will gain access to specialised training programmes that focus on global standards in culinary arts, bakery and pastry.
As part of the MoU, two six-month programmes will be introduced at the SRM campus. These are the International Culinary Program and the Global Bakery and Pastry Program. Both programmes are expected to help students build practical skills that are highly valued in the hospitality sector.
The decision to conduct these programmes at the SRM campus is significant because it makes international-standard training more accessible to students in Tamil Nadu and nearby regions. Instead of travelling far for specialised training, students can now receive structured, industry-oriented education within the SRM academic environment.
MoU Signed in the Presence of SRM IST Registrar
The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. S. Ponnusamy, Registrar of SRM Institute of Science and Technology. Representing SRM Institute of Hotel Management, the agreement was signed by Dr. D. Antony Ashok Kumar. On behalf of Kamaxi Skills, the MoU was signed by Mr. Subhasis Mandal, Principal of Kamaxi Skills, who was accompanied by Ms. Sabina Dsouza, Director of Programmes.
The presence of senior academic and institutional representatives highlights the importance of this collaboration. It also reflects SRM’s continued focus on building industry partnerships that can improve student employability and create stronger professional outcomes.
Why This Collaboration Matters for Hospitality Students
Hospitality education today is no longer limited to classroom theory or basic hotel operations. Employers now look for candidates who understand international service standards, food safety, hygiene protocols, teamwork, communication and guest handling. Students also need hands-on training that prepares them for real work environments.
This is where the SRM-Kamaxi partnership becomes valuable. By combining SRM’s academic environment with Kamaxi Skills’ industry connections, students can receive training that is more aligned with employment expectations. The collaboration focuses not only on education but also on career outcomes.
For students aiming to work abroad, such training can be especially useful. International hospitality jobs often require confidence, adaptability and exposure to multicultural work environments. Programmes like these can help students become more job-ready and competitive.
International Culinary Program
The International Culinary Program is expected to help students strengthen their practical kitchen skills and understand global culinary standards. Culinary students must learn far more than recipes. They need to understand food preparation techniques, kitchen discipline, presentation, safety, hygiene and consistency.
Through this programme, students may get the opportunity to develop these skills in a structured format. The course can help them prepare for roles in hotels, restaurants, cruise kitchens and international food service companies.
For students who dream of becoming chefs or working in global kitchens, this programme can provide a strong foundation. It can also help them understand how professional kitchens function across different countries and hospitality segments.
Global Bakery and Pastry Program
The second programme, the Global Bakery and Pastry Program, is designed for students interested in specialised roles in baking, pastry arts and dessert production. Bakery and pastry is a growing field within hospitality, with demand in hotels, bakeries, cafés, cruise lines and catering companies.
This programme can help students learn techniques related to breads, cakes, pastries, desserts and bakery production. It can also prepare them for the discipline and precision required in professional bakery and pastry kitchens.
With global demand for skilled pastry chefs and bakery professionals, this programme can open promising career paths for students who want to specialise in this area.
Cruise Line and Overseas Placement Opportunities
One of the biggest advantages of this collaboration is the placement support offered through Kamaxi Skills. Students may get access to opportunities in reputed cruise lines such as Oceania Cruises, Thomson Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Margaritaville Cruise Line, Viking Cruises, The Apollo Group, Cordelia Cruises and MSC Cruises.
Cruise line careers are attractive for many hospitality students because they offer international exposure, multicultural work environments and the chance to travel while working. However, these roles require strong discipline, technical skills and the ability to work in fast-paced conditions. Industry-focused training can help students prepare better for such opportunities.
Apart from cruise lines, students may also benefit from internship and placement opportunities in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and Australia. These international pathways can help students gain overseas experience, which often improves long-term employability and career growth.
Bridging the Gap Between Classroom and Industry
One of the major challenges in hospitality education is the gap between academic learning and workplace requirements. Students may study hotel management, culinary arts or bakery skills, but employers often expect them to be ready for practical responsibilities from day one.
The new programmes introduced under this MoU aim to reduce that gap. By focusing on skill-based learning, industry mentorship and global placement support, the partnership can help students move more smoothly from training to employment.
The programmes are also open to both SRM students and Kamaxi students. This cross-institutional model can encourage knowledge exchange and improve the overall training experience.
Growing Demand for Global Hospitality Skills
The hospitality industry is expanding across several areas, including cruise tourism, luxury hotels, fine dining, international catering, bakery and food service. As the sector grows, there is a rising demand for trained professionals who can work in global environments.
Employers today prefer candidates who are skilled, adaptable and familiar with international standards. Students who receive such training early in their academic journey may have an advantage when applying for internships and jobs.
This makes the SRM-Kamaxi collaboration timely and relevant. It responds directly to the needs of the hospitality industry and provides students with a clearer route to international careers.
A Step Towards Employment-Oriented Education
The MoU reinforces SRM Institute of Hotel Management’s commitment to employment-focused education. By partnering with Kamaxi Skills, the institute is creating opportunities that go beyond traditional degree learning.
For students, the benefits are clear. They can gain practical skills, receive industry-linked training, explore cruise line careers and access international internship or placement opportunities. For the institute, the partnership strengthens its position as a hospitality education provider with strong career-focused outcomes.
As the new programmes begin, SRM Institute of Hotel Management and Kamaxi Skills are likely to play an important role in shaping the future of global hospitality training in India.
FAQs
1. What is the MoU between SRM Institute of Hotel Management and Kamaxi Skills about?
The MoU is a collaboration between SRM Institute of Hotel Management and Kamaxi Skills, Goa, to introduce international culinary and bakery-pastry programmes. It aims to provide students with industry-focused training, cruise line opportunities, overseas internships and global placement support.
2. When was the MoU signed?
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 18 April 2026 at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology campus in Kattankulathur.
3. Which new programmes will be introduced under this partnership?
Two six-month programmes will be introduced: the International Culinary Program and the Global Bakery and Pastry Program. Both programmes will be conducted at the SRM campus.
4. What placement opportunities can students get through this collaboration?
Students may get access to placement opportunities in reputed cruise lines such as Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking Cruises, Cordelia Cruises, MSC Cruises and others. They may also explore internships and placements in countries such as the UK, Germany, Canada and Australia.
5. Why is this partnership important for hospitality students?
This partnership is important because it combines academic learning with practical, industry-linked training. It can help students develop global hospitality skills, improve employability and prepare for international careers in hotels, cruise lines, culinary establishments and bakery-pastry roles.