
Hospitality training in Okanagan leads to tourism jobs
Up to 40 eligible British Columbians will be able to tap into a unique online training program at Okanagan College and gain work experience to prepare them for jobs in the hospitality industry, thanks to more than $611,000 in funding from the provincial government.
“The tourism sector is resilient. We’re seeing evidence of that in the Okanagan and Shuswap as businesses begin to reopen,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “This specialized training and practical experience will ensure that museums, resorts, restaurants and hotels in the Thompson Okanagan will have employees who are well prepared and ready to go to work in the hospitality industry.”
The Hospitality Professional Program Project-Based Labour Market Training (PBLMT) project is recruiting eligible applicants living in and around Kelowna, Salmon Arm, Penticton, Revelstoke, Sicamous and Vernon. Anyone interested in applying to the program or finding out about eligibility requirements can contact their local WorkBC centre.
“There’s been a great deal of interest and support from local stakeholders in this project,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “Businesses are reopening and they’re looking for fully-trained employees who have a variety of skills. This training is a boost to the tourism industry and will provide much-needed jobs to people in the region.”
Theory and virtual classroom training provided by Okanagan College will include computer software, marketing and sales, soft skills, industry certifications, human resources and management, project management and accounting, as well as 10 weeks of work experience. Through this enhanced industry skills training, participants will be prepared to work in a variety of positions in the tourism sector, enabling them to grow their careers in the industry while supporting a more skilled and resilient tourism workforce.
“Tourism is incredibly vital to our region, and so we’re proud to be able to offer these timely training opportunities to help keep this sector strong, vibrant and resilient,” said Jane Lister, Okanagan College’s regional dean for the North Okanagan and acting director of continuing studies and corporate training. “We’re grateful to the ministry for its support of the project. We’re also appreciative of all the tourism industry leaders across the sector who provided feedback on just how needed this kind of training is right now and how best to tailor it to benefit workers and employers.”
Over two intakes, there are spaces for 40 participants in the 46-week project, which will run through till July 2021.
Priority for the program will be given to persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, victims of violence, multi-barriered persons and youth.
Quick Facts:
- Over $19 million was invested throughout B.C. in Community Employer Partnerships (CEP), of which PBLMTs are a part, in 2019-20.
- CEP’s goal is to increase employment and work experience opportunities in communities throughout B.C.
Learn More:
Learn how CEP projects are helping local communities: www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/Community-and-Employer-Partnerships.aspx
Learn more about how WorkBC can help find British Columbians jobs that are right for them: www.workbc.ca/rightforyou
Find your local WorkBC centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/WorkBC-Centres-Listing.aspx
Okanagan College: https://www.okanagan.bc.ca
Activity Stream
Tue, Jan 19, 2021 at 9:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Exploring Sugarloaf Hill – Kamloops Trails
Sat, Jan 16, 2021 at 9:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: The Marsh and Giant Firs on Snowshoes
Thu, Jan 14, 2021 at 11:09 am - Darryl Schmidt posted a comment on Grand Finale of the Kamloops Symphony’s “Running The Symphony” Initiative
Wed, Jan 13, 2021 at 5:25 pm - Ryan Noakes created a new Profile
Wed, Jan 13, 2021 at 9:05 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Bush Lake Loop – Kamloops Trails
Tue, Jan 12, 2021 at 12:25 pm - David Suzuki posted on their blog: U.S. crisis shows need to speak truth to power
Mon, Jan 11, 2021 at 3:47 pm - Kamloops Film Society created a new Profile
Sun, Jan 10, 2021 at 9:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Hidden Homesteads, Lone Trees, and Old Snags
Thu, Jan 7, 2021 at 4:42 pm - Arjun Singh posted on their blog: Advancing active transportation path construction in Kamloops….
Upcoming Events
Wed Jan 20 Colombo Cares – Take Home Dinner
Thu Jan 21 Never Without Love, a Journey to Persia
Mon Jan 25 Chefs in the City Reimagined
Tue Jan 26 to Sun Jan 31 2021 Scotties BC Women’s Curling Championship
Fri Jan 29 Business – Student Mentorship Award Gala – AIMCanada TNC
Thu Feb 11 Industry Roundtable – Hospitality
Fri Feb 12 Dinner & Comedy Show with Sophie Buddle
Sat Feb 13 Dinner & Comedy Show with Sophie Buddle
Sat Feb 20 Chamber Musicians of Kamloops Presents A Concert Full Of Passion
Sat Feb 20 Passions
Mon Feb 22 Chefs in the City Reimagined
Fri Feb 26 Speakers Jeremy Heighton, Jo Berry
Sat Mar 6 Kamloops Ambassador Society Father Daughter Ball
Fri Mar 12 Dinner & Comedy Show with Patrick Maliha