The Private Hotel School
FOUNDER
Established the boutique hotel school from the ground up and oversaw various facets of operations including employee management, financial forecasting, budget development, client relations, and regulatory compliance. Identified owners, associates, and customers’ needs to offer appropriate products and services.
“Hein Olckers conceptualized the business plan, and developed the original ‘blueprint’ that has made the school scalable.
”
Notable Accomplishments:
Drove key efforts to attain the following associations and accreditations, resulting in the institution’s growth and success:
Certification from American Hospitality Academy–International Hotel Management Schools (AHA-IHMS), including the school’s directors to AHA-IHMS Advisory Board; as well as South Africa’s Council on Higher Education (CHE) and National Qualifications Framework (NQF);
- Affiliation with Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa), the Association of Private Providers of Education, Training and Development (APPETD), and the South African Chefs Association (SACA);
- Registration with the Department of Higher Education and Training for Higher Certificate in Hospitality Management; Advanced Certificate in Hospitality Management; and Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Education;
- Approval from the international City & Guilds Group;
- Cooperation agreement with Stellenbosch University; and
- Membership to the United States National Restaurant Association (NRA) and Stellenbosch Tourism.
““It is my professional assessment that the Private Hotel School has sustained a reputation of excellence in the field because of the ground-breaking work of Hein Olckers””
Belmond Hotels
General Manager | Regional Director of Learning and Development –North America, Mexico, and the Caribbean
Took charge of developing and implementing training, governance, and compliance programs. Redefined current policies and provided training to all mid-managers on company standards and employment law and compliance associated with the company’s operations.
Notable Accomplishments:
1. Initiated the first two-day orientation program at the re-opening of El Encanto with 250 new employees, which was introduced and presented to the rest of the region.
2. Managed the planning and coordination, as well as co-presentation of the Leadership Development Program to senior management; while introducing the Service Leadership Program at all properties, which included El Encanto, 21, Maroma, Casa Sierra Nevada, La Samanna, and Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond.
“There is no doubt that Hein will continue to transform the industry with his innovative thinking to educate and prepare the most capable hospitality leaders of tomorrow.”
Hotel School, Technikon Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Senior Lecturer/Chairman
““For me it is a pleasure to testify on behalf of Mr. Hein Olckers whom I have known for the past three years in his capacity as Senior Lecturer and Head of the Hotel Management Department. He was responsible for the establishment of the new hotel school of Technikon OFS. This included the compilation of study guides, study material and practical manuals, as well as planning regarding kitchen and front office layout. All these responsibilities were carried out by him with precision.
Mr. Olckers is an exceptionally talented and competent person with clear morals and integrity. Together his experience in the hotel industry, he has incredible organizational and entrepreneurial skills as well as leadership abilities. On several occasions he was responsible for organizing large banquets which he did with distinction. As lecturer he was respected by students and colleagues.
He is a very likable person with a pleasant personality. We were very sad when he resigned to return to the industry because of an offer which was made to him. However, my best wishes accompany him and it is without any hesitation that I recommend him for any post which he is qualified for.” ”
