Thursday, September 22, 2011

Revving up for the Grand Prix

It usually takes more than just drivers, entertainers and Singtel Grid Girls to make the Singapore Grand Prix a memorable and successful event. Let’s not forget the people behind the scene who are responsible in many ways.

800px-Renault_SingGPTake Siti Juwaini Binte Jumahat (Ms) for example, who works as an assistant merchandiser at Singapore GP Pte Ltd (the race promoter for the Singapore Grand Prix). Siti was a total greenhorn in the customer service field prior to volunteering for the 2009 Singapore Grand Prix and had signed up with Singapore GP as a temporary helper for the 2009 event mainly due to her interest in the sport.

Like all temporary hires, she was sent for WSQ training during the run-up to the 2009 event and was eventually assigned to the role of retail supervisor for that year’s race. Thanks to the course, she picked up useful knowledge about customer service and hospitality and managed to apply those insights during the event.

Eventually, she was given the opportunity to work as a permanent staff for Singapore GP in 2010. Hence, this year’s race will be the third time that she will be involved in the Singapore Grand Prix.

Generally, temporary hires for any Singapore Grand Prix event will undergo WSQ training prior to the race. First-time helpers generally receive basic training while those who have helped out in past races (such as Siti) typically undergo additional training on ensuring race-goers’ safety and providing visitor information.

The WSQ training has allowed Siti to upgrade her service skills year after year – which is especially useful since she has now working full-time in the tourism industry. This means that she can play bigger or more important roles at the race with each passing year.

Click here for more information on the Tourism WSQ.