Boost, the leading mobile training solutions provider for the Hospitality industry, and CTI Group Worldwide Services, Inc. (CTI Group), a pioneer in the cruise recruitment industry with over 250,000 crew placed, have developed a cruise-specific mobile solution designed to assess the English language skills of applicants looking to work in the cruise industry. CrewHire will be used to pre-screen all cruise line applicants, accurately testing for suitability and language proficiency. CrewHire is available to all cruise lines, and global recruiting and placement agencies. CrewHire will be used by Virgin Voyages to validate all non-native English speaking candidates’ English language skills globally in preparation for their inaugural voyage set for April 2020.
Boost drew on CTI Group’s expertise in the cruise industry to develop the technology that powers CrewHire. The mobile app uses mobile technology to measure an applicant’s spoken American English language proficiency, for hire and eventual career in the cruise industry. Unlike existing tools, CrewHire tests applicants on department-specific words and phrases, with results immediately available through a customized dashboard, with English language proficiency measured according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standard.
CTI Group CEO Robert Upchurch comments ‘This app is a real game-changer given the way the Millennial Generation uses their smartphone and tablets. This technology will allow us to reach more potential crew and provide an even higher level of relevant assessment, ensuring we are able to select and place cruise line employees who possess real potential. Importantly, due to the mobile nature of CrewHire, we are able to reach many more potential applicants, significantly widening the net in an efficient and cost-effective way. We will be testing applicants on department-specific phrases so our cruise line clients will have a good understanding of their employees’ knowledge and abilities.”
Allan Taylor, CEO of Boost, adds “With the growing demand for cruises continuing, it is more important than ever to select skilled hotel service, deck and engine shipboard employees to deliver the ultimate experience for all guests taking a cruise vacation. It is a requirement for employees to have at least a proficient understanding of the English language and so it is necessary to accurately gauge a candidate’s ability in the initial phase of selection. Boost’s mobile technology that underpins CrewHire has been specifically developed for this purpose. We have worked closely with CTI Group to develop a selection program that incorporates cruise-specific tests and terminology, ensuring that cruise lines around the world are able to select the best, most able candidates.”
The mobile Apps will be available for all devices on the Android and iPhone platforms.
