Emversity and Lemon Tree Hotels Launch Work-Integrated Training for Hospitality Students

Hotel Training Partnership to Strengthen Workforce Skills

 Emversity entered a partnership with Lemon Tree Hotels to support skill development and address workforce gaps in India’s hospitality sector. Emversity is a skilling and talent-development network, while Lemon Tree Hotels operates one of the country’s largest mid-range hotel portfolios.

As part of the collaboration, students enrolled in Emversity’s NSDC-aligned Hotel Management Diploma Programme will be placed across Lemon Tree Hotels' properties in several Indian cities. The programme combines classroom teaching with practical exposure through Emversity’s work-integrated learning model.

Students will undertake classroom learning in their first semester, lasting six months. This will be followed by full-time internships of 1.5 years across operational areas, including front office, housekeeping, and food and beverage service. This structure prepares graduates for industry roles with practical training from the outset.

Rajesh Kumar, Senior Vice President – Human Resources, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “At Lemon Tree Hotels, our motto is ‘we hire for attitude and train for skill.’ Our focus has always been to attract, groom and grow talent with the right attitude so they can become fine hoteliers. Currently, most colleges provide only basic theoretical knowledge, leaving a gap between learning and real-world job requirements. Emversity’s initiative bridges this gap by providing entry-level talent and skill-based education. Their courses and teaching strategy will empower these students with a well-rounded experiential learning, and coupled with the various moments of truth, we are confident this partnership will benefit the hospitality industry as a whole.”

Vivek Sinha, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Emversity, added, "This partnership with Lemon Tree Hotels represents the perfect integration of skilling and industry. By combining Emversity's work-integrated learning model with Lemon Tree's operational excellence, we are creating a direct bridge between classrooms and careers. The partnership will empower young Indians with practical skills and real-world experience, helping them build meaningful livelihoods in the hospitality sector."

The partnership will initially include selected Lemon Tree properties, with expansion planned in the coming years. Both organisations aim to support India’s hospitality talent pipeline and create broader livelihood opportunities for young entrants in the sector.