ACADEMY
HILL
ATTRACT RETAIN GROW
— Welcome to our Academy where we believe investing in people is key to attracting and retaining top talent.
We focus Hill Robinson Academy focuses on the continual development of crew, ensuring elevated levels of service delivery, upholding world-class hospitality standards, and refining etiquette to enhance the guest experience onboard superyachts and within luxury estates.
Offering a wide range of learning solutions, we encourage peak performance by blending in-person training programmes, Academy Online and Evergreen learning.
Whether your team is based offshore or onshore, all the programmes in this brochure can be tailored to your needs.
Our service programmes are designed to support delegates at every stage of their career, from onboarding to role-specific training, hospitality curriculums, coaching, and leadership development.
We facilitate
Our Academy facilitates the development, delivery, and evaluation of learning through an enhanced learning management system, Academy Online, and our Evergreen learning product that captures video content designed to stand the test of time.
Through our offering we leverage more than 20 years of industry knowledge together with leading experts to deliver a memorable experience.
What sets us apart?
Our programmes are crafted based on a needs analysis to raise skills, leadership capabilities, and develop dynamic crew. We also offer accredited programmes, guaranteeing compliance with established benchmarks and industry best practices.
HILL ROBINSON ACADEMY
WHY CHOOSE US?
— We focus on delivering impactful training for crew looking to excel in their fields. Our courses boost skills, improve leadership, and provide the tools to deliver outstanding guest experiences.
Experiential in-person learning
We use experiential learning to immerse crew in practical, real-world scenarios to enhance their decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities.
Online learning platform
Access Academy Online for convenient, on-the-go learning resources, complementing in-person training with bite-sized modules and additional support materials.
Evergreen learning
Our Evergreen learning package offers a bespoke training solution. We will bring a professional film crew on-site to capture customised learning content. Once created, these resources are uploaded to Academy Online, allowing the crew to access the training anytime, anywhere.
Ready-made content
Sometimes, there is a need for content that is ready to go and immediately usable. We can deliver solutions to fit specific requirements without delay, offering a range of ready-made content designed to create instant impact.
ACADEMY
BESPOKE APPROACH
SPEAK TO THE ACADEMY
— We value the connections we establish with our clients and strive to deliver the best possible experience for them.
We recognise the importance of delivering personalised courses that cater to learning needs. We offer many clients an annual training schedule to ensure progress and growth. These schedules are designed with flexibility in mind and can be adapted to a yacht’s itinerary and plans.
CONSULTATION
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
STAGE 4
Our custom programmes range from half-day to multi-day courses, and our blended approach allows us to conduct training wherever a client is in the world.
Our courses are designed to your requests and requirements, whether onboard, at a private estate, or online.
Our experts will meet with you to understand the needs of your crew, managers, and leaders.
DESIGN
We design bespoke training packages and arrange delivery timelines in collaboration with our trusted partners and suppliers.
DELIVERY
We have a suite of resources for you to choose from, including: Academy Online, in-person training sessions and Evergreen learning solutions.
REPORTING
We report back on the outcomes of training sessions, ensuring a clear return on investment.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
— Participating in these sessions gives team members tools to cultivate effective communication, build strong relationships, foster collaboration, and promote personal and professional growth. Depending on their needs, we can deliver these sessions in person, on-site, or through virtual meetings.
Coaching
Our training programmes guide teams towards achieving their goals and realising their full potential. We strive to equip your teams with the knowledge and confidence they need to excel. Our ongoing coaching provides valuable support to ensure your team remains motivated and continues to develop.
Team building/communication
Designed to equip teams with essential communication skills, this course offers insight into operational coordination, guest relations, and more. Participants will learn effective communication methods through handson exercises and specific scenarios, ensuring teams are ready to handle any situation.
Train the trainer
This session is designed to give heads of departments and team leaders the ability to pass on their knowledge through the delivery of highly effective training sessions. The programme explores the fundamentals of effective training and leadership by studying adult learning theories and methodologies. Partcipants will gain vital expertise in crafting and delivering highly effective training sessions.
Cultural appreciation
Empower your teams with the knowledge to thrive in diverse cultural environments. Explore cultural differences, evaluate the impact of diversity and inclusion, and learn about customs and traditions. Give participants the means to understand and excel with cultures beyond their own.
360 Feedback
An invaluable means for creating self-awareness and continuous improvement within the crew. This comprehensive feedback mechanism gathers insights from various perspectives, providing a holistic view of performance.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
TALENT ASSESSMENTS
— Enhance self-awareness, improve communication, and boost teamwork by identifying key traits and behaviours. Talent assessments support personal growth, better decision-making, and help match individuals to roles where they can thrive.
Maximising benefits from Talent Assessments
Our talent assessment, through Talent Dynamics, is an essential tool for yacht crews and private estates, helping to ensure that the right individuals are selected for highly specialised roles. These tools deliver valuable insights into key attributes such as personality, technical skills, and behavioural traits, allowing you to make more informed decisions when hiring staff for demanding and often high-pressure environments.
By utilising Talent Dynamics, you can ensure that your crew members are not only technically capable but also fit well within your team dynamic, providing a harmonious and efficient working environment.
Personality profiling
Whilst our recommended assessment method is Talent Dynamics, we can offer other profiling tools if required.
MANAGEMENT SKILLS
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
— We understand that exceptional leadership is the cornerstone of seamless operations. Our mission is to help cultivate exceptional leaders who can manage their teams with precision and empathy, ensuring that all operational efforts seamlessly align with the overarching goal of delivering outstanding guest experiences.
Coaching
Our Coaching programme offers three intensive onehour sessions with a qualified coach. These sessions are tailored to develop and refine the leadership capabilities of the crew or teams, addressing specific challenges and enhancing their ability to lead with confidence and expertise.
Alignment coaching
Effective leadership requires consistency and harmony across all departments. Our Alignment Coaching programme aids a seamless transition between rotational heads of department by aligning their values, behaviours, and processes. This ensures crew operate consistently, regardless of which heads of departments they are working with.
Blended leadership
Recognising that each crew member has unique needs, our Blended Leadership training programme is customised to suit a client's specific requirements. Utilising our Academy Online platform, we offer a dynamic mix of e-learning modules, interactive workshops carried out via live video conferencing, and in-person training sessions to dive into 360 feedback from a leader's perspective.
Performance management
The course equips leaders to create a motivated, highperforming team by covering key areas such as setting clear objectives, providing constructive feedback, and conducting performance reviews.
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
— We partner with Seas the Mind for the the delivery of the following courses.
Mental health awareness course
This introductory course delivers a comprehensive overview of mental health awareness. Participants will engage in peer discussions, dynamic presentations, group activities, and relevant case studies from the yachting industry and learn:
What mental health is and how to challenge stigma. An introduction to common mental health issues. Confidence to support someone who may be experiencing mental ill health. Ways to look after a team member's own mental health and support wellbeing.
MHA certificate by MH England lasts three years.
Mental health first aid training
Enroll teams in Mental Health First Aid training to cultivate a workplace culture that values and supports crew wellbeing. Through this program, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of mental health, practical skills to identify early signs of issues, and the confidence to offer appropriate support.
With access to the MHFAider Support App® and exclusive resources, they become part of a community of trained MHFAiders®, equipped to make a positive impact.
MHFA certificate by MH England lasts three years.
HILL
HOSPITALITY
SERVICE DELIVERY
— These courses provide the tools and comprehensive knowledge of industry standards, enhance professional skills, and cultivate an elevated guest experience.
Service specialist foundation
Equip teams with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to deliver outstanding seven-star service. They will learn to refine their service skills and familiarise themselves with operational needs, etiquette and diverse communication styles, resulting in enhanced guest interactions.
Service specialist advanced
Building on foundational service skills, this advanced follow-on course takes teams to the next level, equipping them with the expertise, advanced knowledge, and insights needed to deliver truly exceptional service. Participants will further refine their service techniques, deepen their understanding of complex operational needs, perfect advanced etiquette, and master the art of communication with diverse guest profiles. With a focus on elevating every aspect of guest interaction, this course provides the ability and strategies needed to exceed the highest expectations consistently.
Cigar training
Delve into the world of cigar selection, cutting, lighting, and appreciation. Explore the rich history and intricate craftsmanship of cigars, broadening appreciation for these luxuries.
Shisha/Hookah
Learn to create the perfect shisha setup and craft the best mixology pairings for an unforgettable guest experience. Covering mise en place and key moments of impact when serving shisha, this handson masterclass also details mixology pairing.
Barista & latte art
Prepare to become a coffee master, transforming plain coffee into artistic creations with fancy milkfrothing and mastering the art of coffee cocktails.
HILL ROBINSON ACADEMY
HOSPITALITY
BEVERAGE SPECIALIST
— For expertise in mixology and beverage service, these courses enhance knowledge of various drinks and alcholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, create personalised recommendations for guests, and prepare the teams to develop their presentation.
Ready-made courses
Bartending: mixology, cocktails and mocktails (foundation and advanced)
Give your teams a unique experience by stepping into the shoes of a professional bartender. Learn about the rich history of bartending, bar terminology and the seven essential elements of a good drink. By mastering the basics, teams will be able to confidently execute recipes, set up a bar, and even create a signature cocktail.
Wine appreciation (foundation and advanced)
This course introduces the crew to the world of wine, from understanding different grape varieties and wine regions to learning the essential art of tasting. Gain the confidence to identify key flavours, aromas, and textures, as well as master the best wine-food pairings for luxury dining experiences. Through expert insights, crew will be equipped with the knowledge to select, serve, and present wines professionally, ensuring your guests enjoy every sip while experiencing world-class service.
Certified courses
WSET Level 1 & 2 – Wine course certification level
For individuals new to wine study, this qualification gives a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. Explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately and make food and wine pairings. Upon successful completion, teams will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.
WSET Level 1 & 2 – Spirits course certification level
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to distilled beverages. Level 1 cenrtres on the basics, covering the key types of spirits, their production methods, and tasting techniques. Level 2 builds on this foundation, diving deeper into the complexities of various spirits, including whisky, rum, gin, and vodka, with a focus on tasting and pairing. This course is ideal for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of spirits and enhance their professional expertise in the drinks industry.
HILL
HOUSEKEEPING
— This training equips individuals with essential cleaning techniques, promotes attention to detail, and enhances organisational skills to enrich the guest experience.
Rady-made courses
Valet and wardrobe
Teams will learn everything they need to know about valet services and interacting with guests. Additionally, the curriculum covers wardrobe management, where they will gain insight into the most effective methods for arranging and discreetly maintaining guests’ personal items.
Housekeeping
During the training, teams will learn to use a variety of cleaning products for different furnishings and materials, and understand how their work affects the environment. After completing the course, they will be equipped to provide efficient and effective housekeeping services.
Laundry
To support an efficient laundry operation, it is essential that teams work in harmony. This course is designed to enhance collaboration skills, clarify individual responsibilities, and put this knowledge into action to run a seamless and professional laundry service.
Ironing
Teams will gain confidence in their ironing skills with our comprehensive course that covers a broad range of fabrics, recognising their importance. This practical training will teach them the best techniques to excel in the laundry department.
Specialist courses
Surface identification workshop
This covers in-depth the damage that can occur through a lack of understanding of the surface and how to stop accidental damage being caused.
Cleaning chemicals workshop
Based on the approach: show-me/guide-me demonstrations and let-me-try activities. Helps teams gain a deeper understanding of chemicals.
PERFECT CHARTER
— This programme is designed to enhance the skills and cohesion of all crew members, ensuring they deliver an exceptional charter experience. The training includes foundational modules for all crew, followed by breakout sessions tailored to specific roles (deck, interior, leadership).
Building a solid foundation
Centred around collaboration, the yacht crew explores different personality types and learns how to effectively work with colleagues who have diverse approaches and communication styles. They develop a deeper understanding of each other's strengths and challenges, through interactive exercises, creating a cohesive team dynamic.
Defining your yacht's charter identity
This session focuses on identifying the yacht's unique features and understanding guest expectations to create a distinctive charter identity. By evaluating the yacht's features, capabilities and offering, the crew will gain insights into how these elements can be highlighted to set your offering apart.
Tailoring guest experiences
The crew will learn how to tailor the experience to reflect the yacht's unique and distinctive features and align them with the specific desires of guests, creating a memorable and personalised service.
Entertaining guests with impact
Learn how to craft exceptional charter moments uniquely tailored to the individual preferences of your guests, ensuring every detail contributes to a personalised and memorable experience. Focused on designing activities, services, and amenities that align with guests' desires, from bespoke dining options to custom entertainment, allowing crew to create a truly unforgettable charter experience that exceeds guest expectations.
Handling guests
This session equips the crew with conflict resolution techniques and practical experience through roleplaying high-pressure scenarios. Crew will learn how to handle challenging situations with professionalism and composure, while effectively communicating to guests. By mastering these skills, the crew will be better prepared to navigate delicate conversations, ensuring a positive and harmonious experience for the guests and the crew.
ACADEMY ONLINE
— Academy Online is our subscription-based online-learning platform that includes curated content for professional and personal development and industry-specific modules.
Academy Online offers a comprehensive suite of resources designed to meet the diverse needs of luxury industry teams. Whether managing a small team or leading a large fleet, our platform supports development at all levels, from entry-level to senior leadership.
Our interactive modules covers many key topics, including personal development, leadership, management, and compliance, ensuring that every professional has the tools to succeed and grow in their role. Plus, with the ability to customise the learning experience, clients can choose content packages that best suit their needs, including specialised hospitality and maritime-specific content.
Academy Online is more than just a learning platform; it offers a centralised hub for all training records, providing one reliable source of truth for tracking progress and ensuring compliance. Whether you are looking to enhance team performance, perfect operational efficiency, or boost guest satisfaction, Academy Online is designed to meet the demands of the luxury industry.
For those seeking to advance their careers and stay ahead of industry trends, Academy Online is the go-to platform for continuous professional development and growth. With flexible, on-demand learning, it is designed to support professionals in achieving their personal and career goals—available 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Content
Academy Online has a wealth of content, over 7,000 modules and growing! We design and curate learning paths for specific roles onboard yachts and within luxury private estates.
Email academy@hillrobinson.com or talk to your Hill Robinson Yacht Manager and find out how we can support you and your crew. Courses in this brochure are available to be delivered for both onshore and offshore based teams.
