Within the framework of the strategic line “we are an effective and agile entity”, in 2021 at the Tomillo Foundation we launched the Tomillo’s Digital Development Plan for the digital transformation of the entity and, now, thanks to funding NextGenerationsEU, also reaches Hospitality training, through the CIMTO program.
The CIMTO program, which we have been developing for 21 years, is aimed at the socio-educational and labor integration of young people, between 15 and 21 years of age, who are or have been under protective measures by the Community of Madrid. Its main activity is the labor insertion of minors through training in the hotel and catering industry, as a preparation for the labor market.
For this, it is necessary to have modern technologies for catering systems and the activities with the participants must include a digital dimension, knowledge of systems and new technologies, such as reservation management, digital orders, use of POS, office automation and productivity tools, cybersecurity, etc. In this way, we are able to contribute to the improvement of the participants’ digital competencies and, consequently, to greater employability.
The use of new technologies can help their motivation and involvement through gamification techniques, virtual reality, augmented reality, among others. The ultimate goal of using disruptive technologies is program adherence and reducing the likelihood of dropout.
Project ‘Cocina Única’ (Unique Cuisine)
One of the initiatives launched in recent years is the “Unique Cuisine” project, whereby simultaneous sessions are organized with social entities from Morocco and Argentina, whereby each team gives a master class in typical cuisine to the other two centers. This project has become an activity truly appreciated by the participants, which encourages cooperation with other entities, and teamwork in the preparation of the sessions, the use of new technologies and remote cooperative work.
To accompany this digital development of the center, its activities and its participants, it is necessary to equip it with technologies to develop the potential of the participants and to train, motivate and involve them in their process of preparation for employment.
Some of the measures to be incorporated into the project are: Improvements to the data network and connectivity of the center. Provision of a system of “digital orders” and “POS billing” so that the practices carried out by the students are similar to the work methods currently required by hotel and catering establishments. Video recording equipment for the collection of evidence of students’ competency improvement and acquisition of the most appropriate hardware for its use in the center.
In addition, a project is proposed to incorporate innovative activities based on Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality. The use of these technologies as part of the activities carried out at the center, contributes to the development of social skills, through immersion in different situations that cannot be conveniently simulated in person at the center, participatory role-playing games, educational games, etc.
Grant received from the Next Generation EU funds within the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, through the Department of Family, Youth and Social Policy of the Community of Madrid.
