APPRENTICES PREPARE FOR THE WORK FORCE

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (February 2, 2010) Students of the Tourism Apprenticeship Training Programme (TATP) familiarized themselves with the work experience element of the course at an orientation session organised by the Department of Tourism earlier this month.

“The orientation sessions are critical to the success of the each Apprentice as it gives them the opportunity to meet all of the various persons who will be providing the necessary support to them during the Programme,” commented Mrs. Oneisha Richards, the Department’s Deputy Director, Tourism Product Development. The event brought together teachers, tourism industry professionals, the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, the Tourism Apprenticeship Advisory Council and the Ministry and Department of Tourism. 

                      

During the orientation, the students heard from tourism professionals about their experiences in the tourism industry and received a special presentation about having a positive and proactive attitude in the work place.

“Work experience is a great way for them to take the tools they’ve learnt in the classroom and apply them to everyday situations,” continued Mrs. Richards. “The Apprentices must use this time to become better acquainted with the level of service our visitors expect to receive and to learn how to meet and exceed these expectations as well as to solidify their career path in the tourism industry.”

The Tourism Apprenticeship Advisory Council members, who will act as a “Buddy” to the students during the Programme, also had the opportunity to personally introduce themselves to the Apprentices that they will be working with over the course of their apprenticeship.

Based on the philosophy of learning by doing, the Tourism Apprenticeship Training Programme provides Caymanians with vocational skills, and combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. In partnership with UCCI and ICCI, this one year, full-time course leads Apprentices through to CARIBCERT Certification, a professional certification programme specifically designed by the Caribbean Hotel Association for the Caribbean tourism industry.  The Spa Attendant course leads Apprentices through to American Hotel & Lodging Association Certification.

Participants can choose from careers in Front Office Operations, Food Preparation Operations, Food & Beverage Operations, Housekeeping (at an entry level) and Spa Attendant. For more information, interested parties should visit www.caymanislands.ky/tatp or call Alma McKenzie at the Department of Tourism on 949-0623.