Three new downloadable workbooks available from emerit

If you've earned your national emerit certification in one of Canada's recognized tourism professions, you're likely familiar with the training workbook that you received. While you were able to complete other components of your training online, that workbook was only available in its printed edition - until now.

This week, emerit released the workbook in a new, downloadable format, starting with these three occupations:

• Front Desk Agent.
• Reservation Sales Agent.
• Tourism Visitor Information Counsellor.

The cost for each of the downloadable versions is $70, compared with $85 for the hard-copy workbooks. You can still download and use the national occupational standards for free.

emerit is recognized by tourism employers across Canada. Tourism Certified Professionals meet job standards set by industry. To become certified, individuals must pass exams demonstrating their knowledge and practical skills, and complete a minimum number of hours to gain experience. It takes from six months to two years to become emerit certified, depending on past experience and knowledge.

emerit Professional Certification is available for 27 of the 46 tourism professions with National Occupational Standards.  STEC is the local representative of the emerit training brand, offered through the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council.  Certification obtained in Saskatchewan is recognized nationally across Canada. In 2011, STEC recognized the province's 2000th certified professional.

Designations are available for Tourism Certified Professional (TCP), Tourism Certified Supervisor (TCS), and Tourism Certified Manager (TCM).

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.

New Pricing for Standards and Certification

A new pricing plan for national occupational standards and certification will come into effect on September 1, 2010.  All frontline certification will increase to $315 + GST.  The cost of certification for supervisors and managers will be $400 + GST and $680 + GST respectively.

In addition, fees are now applicable for exam re-writes and re-evaluations.