OTEC is a leader in workforce development initiatives and, in partnership with government, industry, education and labour, administers skills development, career awareness and industry engagement across the province.

OTEC works with over 80 tourism associations, Destination Marketing Organizations and Chambers of Commerce, as well as 200 community partners (including Employment & Social Serving Agencies), 320 high schools, 34 post-secondary educational institutions and over 2000 businesses. Through emerit National Occupational Standards and Certifications, and our comprehensive customer service and management programs, OTEC has helped close to 150,000 individuals develop the right skills and qualifications to perform successfully in the tourism industry and other sectors.

As Ontario’s Tourism Sector Council Organization and Human Resource Organization, OTEC’s goal is to develop Ontario’s labour market, establish service and occupational standards, and improve our competitiveness as a tourism destination.

OTEC is currently working with the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) to develop Ontario’s Tourism Workforce Development Strategy. This project, which is funded by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, will compile an inventory of current workforce development frameworks across the province and their capacity to meet changing industry needs and market conditions. Based on the results of this inventory, OTEC will then work closely with regional and provincial industry stakeholders to develop and validate a cohesive workforce development strategy and implementation plan that will support the province’s tourism competitiveness goals.

To contribute to the development of Ontario's Tourism Workforce Development Strategy, please click on the survey link that applies:

Industry (Tourism and Hospitality Businesses) -  Deadline: January 6th, 2012
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/IndustryWorkforceDevelopmentSurvey

Destination Marketing Organizations - Deadline: January 6th, 2012
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DMOworkforcedevelopmentsurvey

Regional Tourism Organizations - Deadline: January 6th, 2012
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RTOworkforcedevelopmentsurvey

Tourism Associations - Deadline: January 6th, 2012
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/associationworkforcedevelopmentsurvey

Workforce Development (Education, Pre-employment Training, etc.) -  Deadline: January 11th, 2012
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/oteceducationsurvey

Find out more about OTEC’s Workforce Development programs and partnerships in the latest Tourism Workforce Development Update – Issue 5!