Jamaica minister of tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has announced that registration for the recently launched free online training for tourism workers closes today.
So far, over 6,500 tourism workers have registered since the programme with all courses being oversubscribed.
The cut off is to accommodate the official start of the online programmes on Monday.
Under the program, tourism workers are being offered ten free online courses to hone their skills and improve their qualifications.
“The responses for this free online training for our tourism workers have been overwhelming and shows that our workers see the value in getting certified.
“I am pleased that our workers are taking the initiative to access these courses which will provide them with stackable credentials,” said Bartlett.
The initiative, which is being driven by the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, is geared towards assisting tourism workers, who were laid off as a result of the closure of hotels during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The courses that were offered are as follows: laundry attendant, guest room attendant, ServSafe training in food safety, certified hospitality supervisor, introduction to Spanish, public area sanitation, hospitality team leader, certified banquet server, certified restaurant server and DJ certification.
These are certification programmes, which means that only candidates will actual work experience are eligible.
“We are aware of the high traffic the website experienced due to the high interest of our workers to register and will be looking at how we can expand the programme,” added Minister Bartlett.
All courses will include certification examinations and successful candidates will receive certificates from certifying institutions, including the National Restaurant Association, the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute and HEART Trust/NSTA.
More Information
Jamaica minister of tourism Edmund Bartlett earlier spoke to Breaking Travel News about why the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic must start now in order to avoid permanent damage being done to the tourism sector.
Take a look at his thoughts here.
Jamaica is considered the World’s Leading Family Destination by voters at the World Travel Awards.
Find out more about visiting – when the time is right – on the official website.