Okanagan College offers tuition free retail and hospitality skills training for qualified students

To help businesses staff up for the holidays, and assist those struggling to find work, Okanagan College is offering a Retail and Hospitality Customer Service training program starting in Vernon on October 21. This eight week, full-time program will provide students with the “knowledge and confidence required to provide service excellence across the retail and hospitality industries,” says Okanagan College, Program Coordinator, Jen Hamilton.

Tuition is free for qualified individuals who are out of school, unemployed and not collecting EI benefits. Funding, provided by Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement, includes tuition, books and supplies, and bus passes.

“The timing of this program is great for the community, as it will allow individuals to participate in training and receive certification prior to the seasonal holiday rush,” says Hamilton.

The program includes certification for Retail and Hospitality Customer Service Training, Food Safe, Occupational First Aid, Serving it Right, WorldHost Fundamentals, Worldhost Customers with Disabilities and Worldhost Service Across Cultures.

Interested individuals can call Heather at 250-545-7291, ext. 2293, or email hflood@okanagan.bc.ca.