Jamaica’s workforce training program is being touted by the tourist board as a resounding success. The free online programs offered by the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation (JCTI), in partnership with the National Restaurant Association, the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute, the University of the West Indies Open Campus and HEART National Service Training Agency, trained more than 8,000 tourism workers over a 12-week period. Courses were designed to enhance the skills of hospitality workers, deliver internationally recognized certifications, and educate the workforce on the new health and safety protocols that were rolled out with the June 15 reopening of the island’s tourist industry.
“We applaud the more than 8,000 individuals who took advantage of the online training program,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s director of tourism. “We appreciate the training these workers have undergone to enhance their competitiveness and ensure they’re ready to meet the new demands of the travel industry. Travelers will appreciate the special focus and extra attention Jamaica’s hospitality workers place on service delivery in the context of the new post-COVID health and safety protocols.”
The free online training program, which usually costs approximately J$9,000 per person (approximately US$65), runs through July. The ministry of tourism’s investment in Jamaica’s human capital, it says, underscores the importance of people to Jamaica’s tourism product. Workers could choose from 11 online courses and obtain certifications that include: guestroom attendant, laundry attendant, certified banquet server, hospitality supervisor, restaurant server and hospitality law. As part of the training, participants were presented with scenarios that help them better understand and quickly address real time guest needs and challenges in a post-COVID travel environment.
A comprehensive set of measures are in place to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of guests throughout their stay. Furthermore, travel partners have implemented a series of changes to enhance the visitor experience.
To learn more, go to: www.visitjamaica.com/travelupdate
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