“Bridging the Gap” Workshop

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council, in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council (STEC), is offering a free, half-day workshop for employment service providers and community-based service organizations called "Bridging the Gap" – Preparing Internationally Trained Workers for Careers in the Canadian Tourism Industry.

The workshop addresses common challenges that these organizations face when assisting their clients who may be transitioning into the tourism sector:

• Identify the needs of employment service providers working with newcomers working in tourism.
• Introduce specialized tools and resources that ease newcomers’ transition into the Canadian tourism sector.

The workshop will take place in Saskatoon on Wednesday, November 30 from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, or to register, please contact Darla Wyatt, STEC Career Coordinator at 1-800-331-1529 or darla.wyatt@sasktourism.com.

Help create a National Occupational Standard for Hotel General Manager

The Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council (STEC) is looking for hotel managers to participate in a one-day focus group to provide feedback on a proposed emerit National Occupational Standard for Hotel General Manager. The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council is developing the National Occupational Standard and Essential Skills Profile in collaboration with STEC.

We are looking for managers responsible for day-to-day management of their properties and staff, including those working in limited service or full service properties, and independent or chain hotels. Your knowledge and experience will help create an emerit standard that accurately reflects the realities of the occupation.

The focus group will be held in Saskatoon on Tuesday, November 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reimbursement is available for pre-approved travel expenses, accommodations and incidentals.

For more information, please contact Darla Wyatt, STEC Career Coordinator at 1-800-331-1529 or darla.wyatt@sasktourism.com.

Certified Professionals and Journeypersons Honoured

Saskatchewan’s tourism sector honoured 131 new nationally certified tourism professionals and 34 apprentices at the 18th Annual Tourism Professional Recognition Dinners, June 13 at the Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon and June 15 at the Ramada Hotel & Convention Centre in Regina.

Two honourees received special recognition at the Saskatoon dinner. Lena Mah, who worked at the Park Town Hotel in 1994, was the first person in Saskatchewan to complete a professional certification, as Bartender. Lisa Poundmaker, certified in Food and Beverage Server and Bartender at Dakota Dunes Casino, received STEC’s 2,000th certification. Both women were presented with special gifts in recognition of the milestones their professional certifications represent for tourism.

The dinners also acknowledged the contributions of 28 Saskatchewan businesses committed to employee development through National Occupational Standards and emerit Professional Certification, 36 organizations that have achieved Service Best Business designation and nine businesses recognized as Employers of Choice.

Tourism Ambassadors and Educator of the Year Announced

Three individuals received Ambassador Awards, presented at the 18th Annual Tourism Professional Recognition Dinners in Saskatoon and Regina, June 13 and 15, respectively. The awards are presented to outstanding certified professionals who demonstrate exemplary dedication to professional development in Saskatchewan’s tourism sector.

• Rita Mayes, Housekeeping Manager at the Radisson Hotel, Saskatoon, received the award for the Accommodations industry.
• Kathy Fitton, Manager of the Western Development Museum, Moose Jaw, was named Ambassador for the Recreation and Entertainment industry.
• Rob Campbell, Divisional Manager for Athabasca Catering, La Ronge, is Ambassador for the Food and Beverage Services industry.
• Sharon Hopkins, Continuing Education Consultant in the Business division and Community Services division at SIAST Woodland Campus in Prince Albert, received the Educator of the Year Award.

The Employer of Choice program for 2012 is now open

Start now to earn your Employer of Choice designation in 2012. Log in or set up a new account at www.steceoc.com. You have until November 30 to complete the employer audit and employee survey.

It will take about 50 to 60 hours to complete your application. Employers of Choice are announced at the 2012 HOST tourism convention next spring.

Tourism industries are facing a potential labour short-fall of 6,500 workers within the next 15 years. Employers of Choice are in a prime position to attract – and keep – the best workers.

View the 2011 Employers of Choice.

Log in our sign up for Employer of Choice and begin your application now.

Find out more about the Employer of Choice program.

Dates: May 1 - November 30, 2011