Caymanians graduate into tourism careers

(CNS): With the aim of bringing a more distinct cultural flavour to local tourism products and services by generating a greater supply of qualified Caymanian workers the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) teamed up with the Ministry of Tourism’s Apprentice Training Programme to offer professional certification through CARIBCERT to the apprentices.

Administered by the CITA, CARIBCERT is a knowledge and skill development programme that culminates in professional recognition for tourism workers in 50 occupations. The goal is to raise the level of professional competency within the tourism workforce in Cayman and give much needed stability to the industry. To date, the CARIBCERT program has been implemented in Bahamas, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, St. Maarten and Curacao.

Apprentices are placed at various CITA member hotels and restaurants throughout the Island where skilled professionals mentor them as they further develop their skills and competencies.  “It is truly a great opportunity to be a mentor in a hospitality program where the students receive real hands on experience,” said Steven Hayes, General Manager of Breezes by the Bay.

Dan Sydlowski, CITA Board Member and Co-Chairman of the Tourism Apprenticeship Training Advisory Council, placed several Apprentices at the Westin Casuarina where his managerial staff took on the role of personal supervisor to many of the Apprentices accessing their performance using a checklist of CARIBCERT standards.

 “It is great to see existing associates in the hospitality industry have the opportunity to advance in their careers through this program” said Sydlowski.  “It is also encouraging and rewarding to get local students involved in hospitality. We provide the work experience opportunity to prepare them for the workplace environment once they have completed the Caribcert Program. They are better prepared to succeed than if they had classroomonly curriculums.”