Four major industry players pull off a Preeminent Online Training Program

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Jamaica once again has differentiated themselves from other tourist boards, by launching one of the most impressive online training programs in the Caribbean.

Since the launch of the online training for tourism workers at the end of April, over 6,500 tourism workers registered for free online training. “In fact, the portal crashed moments after our launch, due to the influx of interest,” reports Edmund Bartlett (Minister of Tourism), “We are very proud that the programme was so well-received by our hospitality workers.”

The technical issues were addressed, and all hospitality workers took advantage of the opportunity. This initiative is so important. Minister Bartlett realized the importance of education, and he wants tourism workers in Jamaica to be more qualified after the pandemic, then when it started. The COVID-19 crisis has hit the tourism sector hard. 160,000 workers were directly impacted by this pandemic, and this online program is a way tourism workers can retool and up their skills

When Minister Bartlett took office in 2016, his promise was to “reimagine tourism.” He wanted to make Jamaica a more attractive destination for travellers and investors. To do so he would have to: boost sector earnings, diversify the tourism product, and create opportunities for local entrepreneurs. This is what sparked the 5x5x5 growth agenda (five million visitors by 2021, generate $5bn in tourism earnings, increase total direct jobs to 125,000 and add 15,000 new hotel rooms). Jamaica was well on its way, and then, CORONA!

Bumps in the road happen in life, and it is how you navigate these bumps that is important. Minister Bartlett decided to collaborate with four powerful industry leaders to navigate this bump, and it worked like a charm. Let’s introduce you to some of the other players.

Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation
Division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF)
https://www.tpdco.org/jcti/

The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) was established in 2005 to: promote growth and development in the tourism sector, encourage better management of environmental resources in Jamaica, enhance the country’s overall tourist experience, and provide for the sustainable development of the tourism sector.

They partnered with USF to use select CAPs in Trelawny, St James, St Ann and Westmoreland, so that students without access to smartphones would be able to utilize the CAPs in these parishes to participate in the courses and access course material. With their assistance, tourism workers were offered eleven free online courses to hone their skills and improve their qualifications.

HEART/National Service Training (HEART/NSTA)
https://www.heart-nta.org/

Established in 1982 by former Prime Minister (the Most Honourable Edward Seaga), HEART has assisted in providing solutions to the persistent problem of underdevelopment in the country. Their institutional-based training programs provide employers with customized workforce solutions that optimize work quality. For this specific initiative, they are offering courses free to candidates and took care of tutorial fees.

The National Restaurant Association (NRA), the owners of the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)
https://restaurant.org/Home

Established in 1919, the NRA has protected, and continues to protect the interests of the over 15 million people employed in the restaurant industry.

The two training videos: ServSafe Takeout: COVID-19 Precautions, and ServSafe Delivery: COVID-19 Precautions, helped to reinforce safe food handling during the coronavirus outbreak.

In addition, to support restaurant workers on the front line, ServSafe made its premier ServSafe Food Handler training program available without charge for workers to attain their certificate or refresh their knowledge.

Universal Service Fund (USF)
https://www.fcc.gov/general/universal-service-fund

The Universal Service Fund was one of the most critical partners, as they had to ensure access for those who did not have technology at home, and supported individuals who needed access to the Internet.

This strategic approach to employee development, at a time when we are experiencing economical challenges globally is refreshing. The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper would like to thank you all for setting such a wonderful example. There is hope for our future, especially when we learn to work together.