Luxury hotel lobby
Inaugural Cohort Now Open

Build the Skills to Become a Future Industry Leader

A structured talent programme that prepares individuals through real-world experience — and connects organisations with job-ready candidates.

Explore as Applicant Explore as Employer

What This Is

A Bridge Between Training & Employment

Cornell Leadership Academy is a structured talent programme designed to develop job-ready individuals through real operational exposure.

Built with industry and academic collaboration, the programme connects aspiring talent with practical experience, mentorship, certification, and potential placement opportunities.

Programme Snapshot

A Structured Pathway from Training to Placement

Every candidate follows a clear development trajectory, moving from foundational training into real operational roles.

Find out more about the programme

Real-World Training

Participants learn inside live commercial environments.

Sector Exposure

Experience areas such as F&B, hotel operations, events, attractions, and wellness.

Mentorship & Guidance

Participants receive guidance, feedback, and support from experienced operators.

Placement Pathway

Strong-performing participants may be considered for opportunities within partner organisations.

Application Journey

From Application to Career Pathway

A clear view of how Cornell supports applicants and employers from the first application to training, placement, and long-term outcomes.

For Applicants

Apply through the recruitment site, complete screening and assessment, proceed through selection and onboarding, then begin structured training and On-the-Job Training with career pathway opportunities.

  1. 1Apply online
  2. 2Eligibility screening
  3. 3Online assessment
  4. 4Scholarship / sponsor review
  5. 5Onboarding
  6. 6On-the-Job Training and certification
  7. 7Career outcome
View Applicant Journey

For Employers

Submit a partnership request, complete company review and validation, join the sponsor pool if approved, then support student placement, mentoring, and performance evaluation.

  1. 1Submit company profile
  2. 2Application review
  3. 3Validation interview
  4. 4Sponsor approval
  5. 5Role / slot submission
  6. 6Student matching
  7. 7On-the-Job Training and feedback
View Employer Journey

Industry Coverage

Across the Industry Ecosystem

Food & Beverage

Restaurants, cafés, catering, and beverage service operations.

Hotel Operations

Front office, housekeeping, and guest experience management.

Events & MICE

Conferences, exhibitions, corporate and social events.

Attractions & Leisure

Theme parks, cultural venues, and leisure destinations.

Health & Wellness

Spas, wellness retreats, and related healthcare services.

Sponsorship

Sponsored Pathways Available

A select number of candidates will receive employer-supported sponsorships, including programme support and priority access to placement opportunities.

Limited positions for the inaugural cohort.

Cohort Capacity85% Filled

Choose Your Path

Choose Your Path

Start Your Journey or Build Your Team

Whether you are looking to develop your career or build a reliable talent pipeline, Cornell Leadership Academy is where it begins.

Partner as an Employer