The annual Career Guidance programme was conducted on the 21st of September 2017 comprising sessions on personal effectiveness and leadership, CV preparation and an overview on career prospects including how to face an interview conducted by V.Poobalasingam. A practical demonstration on dining etiquette was conducted by Dinusha Harshana from the Cinnamon RED Learning and development department with the assistance of one of the participants. This was followed by a presentation on Personal Grooming and Hygiene by Niranga Madiwala from Hikka Tranz training and Development department.

The next session was a presentation on career opportunities and entry level requirements in the Group. This was conducted by the learning and development departments of Cinnamon RED, Cinnamon Lakeside and Jay Kay Marketing Services. The programme was open to Grade 11 students from the 6 schools supported under the John Keells Neighbourhood School Development Project. A total of 134 students were in attendance. Coordinated with support from school principals, Director of Zonal Education and Group businesses, the Career Guidance Programme aims to provide relevant skills and knowledge to successfully enter the workforce as well as highlight opportunities provided by John Keells to youth who are not eligible to pursue Advanced Level studies. Previous vocational trainees currently working at Cinnamon Hotels were also present to share their experience and encourage others to apply for this valuable work experience and skills development programme. The full day programme was conducted at the auditorium of the Sri Lanka institute of Tourism and Hotel Management and included lunch and the refreshments.