The Market Access and Rural Enterprise Development Programme (MAREP) commenced the 2nd Housekeeping course within Phase II of the Vocational and Skills Training (VST) Program for over 20 rural young men and women on Monday, 25 July 2016 at Point Salines Hotel, Point Saline, St George.
On Monday, 18 July 2016, a Youth Motivational Symposium which served as an orientation to disseminate information on the course (duration, certification, overview, requirement and facilitator) was held for the selected young persons.
The provision of this training is in keeping with MAREP’s commitment to rural development, in particular access to employment opportunities. As a result, with the increasing demand for professional housekeepers in hotels, hospitals, airports, airlines, cruises, corporate buildings and shopping arcades. This training will ensure trainees are fully equipped with the right attitude and skills set to provide a clean, comfortable, safe and aesthetically appealing environment.
Remarks from Mr Russ Fielden, Manager True Blue Bay Resort emphasized that “housekeeping is an essential yet operational department in the hospitality industry”. This was in line with key notes from MAREP’s Programme Manager, Mr Byron Campbell and Service Provider, Mrs Marica Wilson-Bennett both stressing that housekeeping are the heart of hotels; thus, one need to be well-grounded in all areas to be multi-tasked which are key expectations of the service industry.
Over EC$100,000 (for tuition, transportation and child care allowance) will be spent for trainees to obtain the full-time 8 month training, which includes 6 months theoretical and practical module and 2 months on-the-job training/apprenticeship. On successful completion, trainees will receive Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Level 2.
MAREP is therefore, proud to have reached this stage of implementation. As young men and women embark this highly demanded occupational area. The programme is well on its way to fulling its commitment to development, employment and sustainable livelihoods.
MAREP