Internationally recognised Hospitality & Tourism diploma programme launched to meet workforce demand

Responding to the demand for training and recruiting persons in the hospitality sector, an internationally recognised diploma programme was launched by ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. (ACI).

The programme is made possible through a collaboration between ACI and the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality to equip professionals with internationally recognised skills, training and certification. It responds to the Government of Guyana’s objective of developing the sector and the services offered.

Last month, President Dr Irfaan Ali challenged Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond with exploring ways to get persons involved in the sector to meet the demands of the country’s rapid transformation.

During the minister’s feature address on Tuesday, she said the private sector remains a major supporter in realizing the needs and opportunities to boost Guyana’s economy.

“We have a clear directive and mandate that Guyana becomes the premiere tourism destination in this part of the Caribbean hemisphere.

“Government continues to provide the enabling environment, we put our money where our mouth is, but we can’t do it alone and we really we see how important it is for this public-private partnership. Where we can hold each other’s hands and the government makes it clear that this is our vision and the private sector continues to run with it and take advantage of the opportunities,” the Tourism Minister said.

ACI is an ISO 9001:2015 certified educational institution and business development company. Now, it is providing much-needed educational opportunities for new talent. Through this collaboration, Guyanese can become certified or up-skilled with a Level Three Diploma to secure jobs and/or further studies.

Alternatively, many learners who want to enhance their skills can go further and become certified with the level four diploma in Hospitality Management, which is the equivalent of the first year of a bachelor’s degree programme.

The ACI’s Executive Chairman, Dr. Vishnu Doerga said the programme advances the country’s vision of providing world-renowned services.

“Sometimes when we think about tourism and hospitality, we think about the bartender but without a strong middle management controlling where the resources of the organisation goes, monitoring the services and delivery to the clients, a lot can go wrong.

“That is the gap we are looking to fill. We are happy that after two years, we have the programme up and running. Our new facilities are up and ready,” the Executive Chairman said.

The company had to upgrade its standards to meet the demands by the CTH and the national accreditation council to offer the one-year programme.

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), and the Guyana Marriott Hotel are among the agencies that are on board to support a practical internship for participants upon completing the programme.

Meanwhile, many investors within the sector have indicated that jobs are readily available for persons who become qualified.

“The operators have come out and given the commitment to take on the graduates and those who advanced to pass the theoretical part and make sure that we can take the risk and are ready to serve our tourists, both local and foreign,” Dr Doerga said.

The country has long been battling a shortage of its labour force, and according to Dr Doerga and the minister, this is an exciting venture for the nation.