Free Domestic Tourism Certification being offered for the Thompson-Okanagan region

Photo: TOTA

Interested in learning skills or tourism and hospitality positions at no cost? A free Domestic Tourism Certification is being offered for the Thompson-Okanagan Region.

The Tourism Skills Training (TST) Program will prepare participants who are looking to work in a traditional employment and/or self-employment market. The program is delivered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in cooperation with the University of Victoria-Peter B. Gustavson School of Business and supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Participants will be given instruction, mentorship, employment coaching, and job placement support in the fully-funded, full-time online program over 13 weeks.

The course runs from Feb. 8, 2021 to May 5, 2021, Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. in virtual classrooms.

The application deadline is Feb. 3, 2021 and there is no cost to participate.

Courses are facilitated by a diverse group of experienced tourism instructors with a mixture of live online learning sessions and self-led online industry certificates

The certificate programs require participant teamwork and a demonstration of learning to a panel of tourism experts, as well as an online Job Fair.

Eligibility for applicants to apply includes:

• Living in Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia (including Shuswap, Boundary Country, Similkameen, and Gold Country/Nicola Valley)
• Legally able to work in Canada
• Currently unemployed or precariously employed (casual, seasonal, or part-time)
• Over 15 years of age
• Priority participants will be Indigenous peoples, immigrants, and persons with disabilities. Workers 55+ are encouraged to apply.
• Permanent full-time employed participants are NOT eligible.

For more information on the program and to apply online, visit the TOTA website.