NESC Technical Institute (NESC-TI) and the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association (THTA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), aimed at enhancing workforce development and promoting local talent in Tobago.
The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday 26th June 2024 at THTA-member hotel Comfort Inn & Suites in Scarborough, symbolising the start of a strategic partnership focused on training, internship facilitation, and employment opportunities for Tobago residents within the tourism sector.
Under the MoU, NESC-TI will conduct training in key specialisations like electrical, refrigeration and air conditioning, plumbing, and alternative energy systems, which are skills required for the upkeep of tourism infrastructure. Designed with sustainability in mind, the training will incorporate green energy and best practices in sustainability to ensure long-term benefits for both the workforce and the environment.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with THTA on developing this fit-for-purpose training programme, and I want to commend the association for their vision of ensuring a certified and competent workforce. This partnership also marks a significant step in advancing green energy initiatives in Tobago’s tourism sector, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future for the island,” said Kern Dass, president of NESC-TI.
THTA will also facilitate student internships and recommend graduates for employment within THTA member operations, providing a pathway from training to employment for students.
Maria Yip-John, Vice President of the THTA stated, “The THTA is extremely pleased to be partnering with NESC Tech in ensuring a brighter future for those young men and women who will join our industry upon completion of this programme. As we work towards expanding opportunities in the tourism sector for our talented young people, we see this programme as a critical one for the island of Tobago. We thank NESC Tech wholeheartedly for championing our tourism industry by creating this programme and we look forward to working with them now and in the future.”