SANDALS Corporate University (SCU) — the learning and development hub for Sandals and Beaches Resorts team members — is celebrating its recent double win in the 2025 Brandon Hall Group, HCM Excellence Awards.

Collaborating with Canadian-based corporate training company Flint Learning Solutions, SCU was awarded two gold medals for projects submitted to the categories: Best use of AI in business impact for elevating guest experiences with AI training; and Best learning in the flow of work for improving hospitality with on-the-job activities.

The awarding organisation, The Brandon Hall Group, has, for more than 30 years, empowered and certified business excellence globally and through the HCM Excellence Awards, which recognises organisations which have implemented best practices for initiatives in learning and development, talent acquisition and management, leadership development, human resources, sales performance, diversity, equity and inclusion and the future of work.

Highlighting the achievement, SCU’s Senior Corporate Director Dr Luz Longsworth said, “The hospitality industry requires a flexible and fast-paced approach to on-the-job training and the SCU is excited about the possibilities for expanding the use of AI in its training model to enhance our team members’ learning experience and to ultimately continue providing our Sandals and Beaches Resorts guests with consistently excellent service.”

In the meantime, Lenise White, Sandals Resorts’ measurement and evaluation specialist, also shared her enthusiasm about the win.

“The double gold win from the Brandon Hall Group is a tremendous recognition of the impact the SCU has made in transforming hospitality learning and service delivery. It signifies that our efforts to integrate AI into training are not only innovative but also delivering real business impact,” said White.

The partnership between SCU and Flint has, since its application, redefined on-the-job learning, demonstrating how innovative technology and training can ease real-world business challenges in the hospitality industry.

The programme establishes a new standard for hospitality talent development and has given way to the integration of personalised, AI-powered learning, geared towards enhancing team member capabilities and elevating the guest experience without disrupting daily operations.

“We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with Sandals Corporate University and the exceptional results we’ve achieved together. SCU’s leadership in embracing innovative approaches to talent development has been instrumental in creating a programme that empowered employees to create the exceptional, memorable experiences that define the Sandals brand and keep guests returning year after year,” said Flint’s Chief Executive Officer James Glover.

The 2025 award entries were evaluated by a panel of veteran, independent senior industry experts, Brandon Hall Group analysts and executives, based on their alignment to business needs and environment, programme design, functionality and delivery, innovation and creativity among other criteria.

“This year’s Excellence Award winners exemplify the transformative power of strategic human capital management. Through their innovative approaches to talent development and employee engagement, these organisations have not only achieved remarkable business outcomes but have also redefined what it means to create truly people-centric workplaces,” said Brandon Hall Group chief operating officer and HCM Excellence Awards programme leader Rachel Cooke.

The win follows another exceptional achievement in AI-powered training after SCU copped the bronze award for Best Corporate University in Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Implementations from the Global CCU, earlier this year.

Sandals Ochi Beach Resort General Manager Carol Bourke (left) presents Learning and Development Manager Joy Bernard with her certificate of recognition for the role that she played in administering the training initiative.

Ghislain Boutoulle (right), hotel manager at Beaches Turks and Caicos, beams as he congratulates Bar Department team member Andrew Clarke on his successful course completion.