Parkland College will receive over $158,000 from the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training to deliver a new program in Yorkton.
The program will help students prepare for a career in the tourism and hospitality industries.
The Enhanced Career Bridging Program aims to connect unemployed individuals to the labour force and obtain employment, notes a College release. This project will provide career training for 16 participants, covering key areas including job readiness, fundamental workplace skills, and credit towards a designated trade with Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council (STEC).
Parkland College will work closely with Yorkton Tribal Council on the program, which will be delivered at the Trades & Technology Centre, beginning Aug. 19. It consists of 12 weeks of in-class training, followed by a six-week work placement. Participants will acquire numerous qualifications, including Food and Beverage Server Certification, Bartender Certification, Safe Food Handling, and First Aid/CPR.
“This is a great opportunity for unemployed individuals to learn life and work skills that will help them build confidence, gain experience, and prepare them for employment,” said Mark Hoddenbagh, President and CEO of Parkland College and Cumberland College.
Randy Goulden executive director of Tourism Yorkton said the course is welcome given the importance of tourism to the Saskatchewan economy, generating more than 63,000 jobs provincially, and 1600 locally.
Goulden also noted that, “here in our city we bring in $38.1 million annually from tourism.”
Given the importance of the sector having training so that new workers have the background when entering the workforce is an important step, said Goulden.
“This is very helpful, very useful, very positive training, for those going into the tourism industry for jobs and careers,” she said.
In their release the College noted it is grateful for additional funding from the Ministry, and the support and engagement of local industry employers for work placements and career opportunities.
