KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) will be assisting with funding for training and certification of workers in hotel construction as well as the hospitality sector.

Addressing a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on Thursday, Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Dr Wykeham McNeill, said the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and HEART Trust/ NTA, has put plans in place to undertake the training.

McNeill pointed out that these workers, who are skilled in electrical work, masonry and tiling, are usually very informal and lacking in certification, and this limits them in the market. “When they get certified, they can work on sites and get the experience, then they can have access to the global economy,” he added.

He said the ministry is looking at the possible jobs to be created from hotel construction and refurbishing currently underway, as well as the jobs to be created after the hotels are completed.

The minister said that in discussions with the education ministry, they are looking at the expansion of hospitality training at the HEART Academy in Runaway Bay, St Ann.

McNeill pointed out that over the next five to ten years, there will be an excess of 10,000 to 15,000 new rooms coming on stream, and there will be the need for more persons to work in the sector, adding that the industry currently employs 36,000 persons.

The minister emphasised that with a well trained workforce, job retention will increase, which can translate into increased wages.