KELOWNA, B.C. — The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), in partnership with Okanagan College, have offered the third intake of the fully funded Hospitality Professional Program. The initiative is open to current professionals looking to elevate their career path, and those interested in securing skills and experience to land a job in the region’s tourism-and-hospitality sectors.
The Hospitality Professional Program comes with no financial burden, ensuring students can focus on gaining the skills and experience needed to unlock new and elevated roles. The partnership between TOTA and Okanagan College is made possible through federal funding in order to address major industry downturns and the ongoing skilled labour shortage facing tourism-and-hospitality businesses across the country.
This comprehensive part-time program is open to current professionals and covers many topics of the evolving landscape, including an introduction to marketing, social media, accounting, project management, human resources and management. This is coupled with self-led online industry certifications including WHMIS, Foodsafe and Serving It Right.
The first 30-34 weeks are spent in a virtual classroom and is followed by 10 weeks of on-site work experience, mentorship and a job placement at a local business. From guest services to event management and beyond, students will receive top-notch training, networking opportunities and on-the-job training that will open many doors to tourism careers.
“This is an exceptional opportunity for current and hopeful hospitality professionals to level up their skill set – at no personal expense,” shared Ellen Walker-Matthews, TOTA CEO. “Okanagan College offers timely, relevant, and meaningful education and skills that can quickly elevate a career. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for career change and advancement.”
Participants can choose from one of two part-time live online training schedules:
- Schedule 1: Monday to Friday mornings from October 2023 to May 2024
- Schedule 2: Evenings and Saturdays from October 2023 to June 2024
- Both schedules include work experience & mentorship: May – July 2024
Interested participants can register at TOTABC.org/training.
