TPDConnect December 2017 | Page 6

ANOTHER POSITIVE

MOVE BY THE TOURISM

SECTOR

The tourism sector marked another achievement on Wednesday November 01 , 2017 with the launch of the pilot programme for the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation ( JCTI ). The launch was held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre .
The JCTI , an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism , was implemented by the Tourism Product Development Company Limited ( TPDCO ). The introduction of the training facility is another step by the tourism sector to diversify Jamaica ’ s tourism product through the development of human resource , its key driver of growth . The JCTI was created to increase access to graduates with hospitality and culinary arts focused degrees . The facility is envisioned to provide graduates with the necessary skills to function in the hospitality industry by training participants in roles of supervisory management , sous chef and culinarian . JCTI will also assist in addressing a major concern of unemployment among new graduates , and forsees the provision of 29,538 new jobs over the next five years . This will play an integral role in helping the hotel sector overcome work force challenges .
Minister Bartlett , during his address at the launch event expects great success for the tourism sector through the JCTI and its diverse , yet unique offerings . “ It will serve to accelerate the transformation of tourism enterprises by engaging institutions , companies and persons in the private and public sector to stimulate and initiate new ideas as well as harnessing science and technology to transfer knowledge into practice within the sector .” He said .
The JCTI began the pilot for the programme during the month of November , which is slated to end in January 2018 . Following its completion , the pilot will be evaluated , as to how it will be adapted in the Jamaican workplace . The pilot programme will see the placement of participants in hotels across Kingston , Ocho Rios and Montego Bay where they will receive hands-on work and industry experience , curriculum guides and will facilitate dialogue between hotels and students . Partnering agencies include The American Culinary Federation ( ACF ), American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute ( AHLEI ), George Washingston University , The Ministry of Education , Youth and Information and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security .
Special recognition was given to Carol-Rose Brown , Special projects Coordinator-TPDCO who was instrumental in making JCTI come to fruition .