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The Be Our Guest Program offers secondary school students an immersive, hands-on experience in the hospitality industry, providing them the opportunity to engage with the accommodations and food service sectors beyond the classroom. This program, designed for students exploring career pathways, equips them with real-world insights and the chance to explore various job opportunities in hospitality, preparing them for successful futures in the sector.
Since its launch in 2017, the Be Our Guest Program has seen significant growth, currently enrolling students from the Toronto District School Board, the York Region District School Board, and the Simcoe County District School Board. Additionally, discussions are underway with several other school boards across Ontario to expand the program’s reach and impact. This expansion underscores the program’s success in guiding students toward informed career decisions while providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the hospitality industry.
Fatima Finnegan, Vice President of Workforce Initiatives & Industry Relations at ORHMA, shared her thoughts on the recognition:
"Winning the OTEC Workforce Innovation & Collaboration Award is a proud moment for all of us involved with the Be Our Guest Program. This award highlights the dedication of our team and our partners and recognizes the importance of workforce development and youth engagement in shaping the future of Ontario's hospitality industry. We are thrilled to be working with school boards like Toronto, York Region, and Simcoe, and we are excited to expand the program even further to reach more students across Ontario. The opportunities for students to explore careers in hospitality are endless, and we’re proud to be a part of helping them discover these pathways."
The OTEC Workforce Innovation & Collaboration Award recognizes innovative programs that drive workforce development and foster collaboration within Ontario’s tourism and hospitality sectors, accepting the award on behalf of OHI is ORHMA's Director of Policy and Government Relations, Dr Jasveen Rattan.
The Be Our Guest Program has been key in connecting students with industry professionals and fostering a stronger, more skilled workforce for Ontario’s hospitality industry.
For more information about the Be Our Guest Program, visit beourguestprogram.ca
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