Minister of Tourism Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace and Bahamas Hotel Association President Robert Sands display the Tourism Apprentice programme guidelines.

Nassau, Bahamas - The Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, Bahamas Hotel Association and industry partners are seeking one hundred and ten (110) of the most highly motivated individuals in the country to apprentice in the industry.  This apprenticeship will pull from a broad range of disciplines, with the objective of having not less than 20 successful candidates retained for full-time positions within the Tourism sector, including the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation.

As part of the Prime Minister’s announced Work Programme, commencing Monday 14^th December 2009, the 110 Tourism Apprentices will be put through the industry’s exciting and rigorous programme for a period of six months (with a two month rotation in three different organizations).  They will be exposed to the broadest public and private sector experiences which are important for the development of well-rounded tourism professionals.  During the apprenticeship period the established minimum wage of $210 per week will apply.

In a collaborative effort designed to ensure the long term sustainability of our tourism sector, Tourism stakeholders will commit to providing structured developmental training programmes. The Apprentices will have the opportunity to help shape our tourism focus on quality customer service through the use of technology, social media , as well as interpersonal interactions.  They will monitor customer trends and suggest ways that The Islands Of the Bahamas can improve the delivery of customers’ expectations.  They will learn core business elements of the sector that will help to position them as the future leaders.

Senior Executives at the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation and Tourism partners are deeply committed and intimately involved with the programme.  They include but are not limited to hotels, transportation companies, attractions and adventure tours, events and projects, destination management companies, airlines and restaurants.

Minister of Tourism Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace and Bahamas Hotel Association President Robert Sands fix their signatures to the Tourism Apprentice framework document as Director General of Tourism Vernice Walkine and BHA executive vice president Frank Comito look on.

All Applicants must be Bahamian, between the ages of 18 – 30 years and computer literate.  Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of Bahamian citizenship, a valid Police Record, a current medical certificate, and copies of academic qualifications and/or proof of prior work experience. BahamaHost Certification is a plus.

Upon successful completion of the programme, all Apprentices will receive a Certificate of Participation from the Minister of Tourism & Aviation and the Apprenticeship Council.  Further, the resumes of those not selected for a permanent position in the industry, will be kept on file at the Ministry as a resource when a position becomes available.  They will also reside online and accessible 24/7 in the Jobs/Careers section of www.tourismtoday.com for companies who are looking to fill positions in the hospitality field.

Applications are available online at www.tourismtoday.com/ apprentice

Apprentice Hot Line – 328-0860

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS NOVEMBER 27, 2009