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Mississauga, ON – May 23, 2025 | The Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA), in collaboration with ACHĒV and funded by Employment and Social Development Canada, is preparing to launch the Skills for Success in Food Services and Accommodation program - a new initiative designed to address pressing labour shortages in Ontario’s hospitality industry.
Targeting three critical roles identified by industry employers - hotel front desk agents, hotel room attendants, and food and beverage servers - this no-cost, training program will equip job seekers with the foundational and transferable skills needed to thrive in these high-demand positions in the hospitality industry.
The program has been accepting clients since April and there are close to 300 job seekers have already expressed interest, underscoring the demand for accessible, industry-specific training that leads directly to employment opportunities.
“This program is not just about filling jobs - it’s about preparing people for meaningful careers in hospitality,” said Fatima Finnegan, ORHMA’s Vice President of Workforce Initiatives and Industry Relations. “We’re proud to be part of a project that bridges the gap between labour market needs and the untapped potential of individuals looking to enter or re-enter the workforce.”
Developed with support from the Essential Skills Group Inc. (ESG) and AyeWorks Inc., and focused on underrepresented groups such as newcomers, women, youth, and racialized individuals, the program includes:
- Online training courses designed specifically to reflect the skills and responsibilities of the three targeted hospitality roles.
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Online assessment tools aligned with Canada’s nine Skills for Success, with a focus on key social and emotional competencies essential for workplace success.
- Employment coaching of candidates selected for work placements.
- 12-week paid work placements for top performers.
ORHMA is inviting hotels and restaurants across Ontario that are interested in participating in the program by offering employment opportunities in these roles to contact Fatima Finnegan at ffinnegan@orhma.com or (905) 361-0268 / (800) 668-8906 ext 0335.
Funded through the Government of Canada’s Skills for Success initiative, the program supports employers in building a skilled, diverse, and resilient workforce, while opening new pathways to employment for job seekers.
More information and registration details will be announced soon.
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