The government has launched a new initiative for young people interested in entering the service industry.
The programme is being offered by the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs in collaboration with the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT).
Line Minister Phillip Watts described the Hospitality and Service Training (HOST) Programme.
“Sixty contact hours, rigorous assessments and, upon successful completion, three college credits and a certificate of achievement from COSTAATT. Credentials that are recognised, transferable and that you can build upon. When you walk out of this programme, you will be able to look an employer in the eye and say with confidence, ‘I am trained. I am competent, and I am ready to work.'”
He noted this food and beverage training initiative is designed especially for the nation’s young people.
“You will have covered food safety and hygiene, professional grooming, table service, customer care, beverage service, point-of-sale systems, and payment handling. You will have done theory, practicals, quizzes, a final exam, just like any other college student working towards a professional standard.”
Meanwhile, the Acting President of COSTAATT, Naseem Koylass, highlighted the importance of this youth programme to society.
“Country data on youth, on the youth economy, suggests that almost 46% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population is aged 29 or younger. Suggesting that youth are a major demographic group with the potential to shape the future workforce and economy.”
The course is open to 100 participants, with registration available on the Ministry’s website.