In a groundbreaking initiative, Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), home to Ecole Ducasse India, recognized for setting global standards for Hospitality and culinary education in India, has partnered with GeSS Education, a leading Australian education provider, to introduce a distinctive international career pathway for aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals in India.
The partnership will enable ISH’s Intensive Certificate in Culinary Arts (ICAP India) & Intensive Certificate in Bakery and Pastry Arts (ICAP India) students to gain globally recognized Australian vocational qualifications. It will provide them a structured pathway to work in Australia’s thriving hospitality sector under skilled migration visa programs (407/482 Visa). The initiative is uniquely positioned at the intersection of education, skills, and global employability, bridging the demand for trained culinary professionals in Australia while elevating India’s standing as a hub for world-class hospitality talent.
ISH, known for its liberal hospitality and business education approach, and GeSS Education, a trusted name in Australian vocational training aligned with Austrade in India, are combining their expertise to offer an education-to-employment pipeline that ensures Indian students are job-ready, globally competitive, and industry-aligned.
Empowering India’s Culinary Talent with Global Credentials
Speaking about the collaboration, Kunal Vasudeva, Managing Director & Co-Founder of the Indian School of Hospitality, stated, “At ISH, we believe talent should not be constrained by geography. The hospitality industry thrives on mobility, skills, and passion, and this partnership is about enabling Indian students to build rewarding careers that extend far beyond our borders. With this initiative, we are creating a real, tangible impact by delivering focussedskills education and ensuring employability in global markets where demand for skilled professionals is soaring.”
“This extends beyond obtaining a qualification; it’s about enabling a young, ambitious professional from India to enter the global hospitality workforce with confidence, credibility, and real earning potential. We are not selling a dream; we are creating structured, outcome-driven opportunities that align with the future of work in hospitality,’’ added Vasudeva.
Echoing her views, Cristine Russell, Founder & Managing Director, GeSS Education, said, “India has some of the world’s most passionate culinary professionals, and we see immense potential in providing them with structured career progression opportunities. Through this collaboration, we deliver an internationally accredited skill-based education and ensure that graduates are placed with leading hospitality employers in Australia.”
“Our success is driven by the dedicated professionals behind these programs—our expert team, whose commitment to quality education, personalised support, and exceptional customer service ensures every student has a unique experience. With key team members like Dharna Mukherjee, our Chief Operating Officer leading operations in India, we provide a seamless experience, from training to employment, making global career aspirations a reality,’’ added Russell.
GeSS Education, which has successfully implemented offshore vocational training programs in Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and now India, brings to this partnership its cutting-edge Learning Management System (GeSS LMS), compliance expertise, and employer partnerships to facilitate international job placements.
A Unique Opportunity in the Hospitality Skills Market
Before transitioning to the Australian job market, the program will allow students to train under Ecole Ducasse, India experts with global pedigree and infrastructure. Upon successful completion, graduates will have opportunities to be placed in flagship hospitality businesses in Australia as skilled chefs, with potential pathways for career acceleration.
This initiative is critical when hospitality businesses worldwide are facing acute workforce shortages. Australia, in particular, is experiencing a strong demand for skilled hospitality professionals, making this an opportune moment for Indian students to leverage their education and enter an internationally competitive job market.
A Strategic Fit for India’s Skill & Education Ambitions
This partnership aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and the Skill India initiative, emphasizing industry-relevant, globally recognized skill development. With hospitality and tourism contributing significantly to India’s GDP, structured vocational education pathways like this will play a key role in making Indian talent more mobile, employable, and globally sought after.
The collaboration also spotlights the importance of internationally aligned qualifications, bringing together ISH’s reputation in liberal hospitality & business education and as an Australian Educational Training Institute, GeSSEducation operates within the framework of Australian education standards, with a strong international outlook aligned with Austrade’s education and skills promotion efforts.
Admissions Now Open
The first batch of students under this program will commence training in June 2025, followed by another batch in November 2026 at the ISH campus in Gurugram. There will be a limited intake of 150-200 students per cohort. Admissions are now open and graduates with any degree can apply through the ISH website.
