Ready-to-Work is an engaging mix of classroom and on-the-job training that develops the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to succeed in careers in tourism and hospitality. This nationally recognized program has helped thousands of unemployed individuals prepare for careers in this exciting sector over the past 12 years. Find out for yourself how the program has made a difference and read the success stories of Ready-to-Work graduates.

Working with the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada and a network of community partners and educational institutions, OTEC delivers Ready-to-Work across Ontario to youth, newcomers, Métis, First Nations and anyone who wants to develop the skills and qualifications to start a career in tourism!

Ready-to-Work includes 4 major components:

1. Industry specific classroom training
2. Workplace Communication Training
3. Industry specific exam and certification opportunities
4. emerit Occupational Knowledge registration, including:
• Completion of the Ready to Work Tourism Essentials foundation credential
• Writing the Occupational Knowledge exam for the profession best suited to the participant and their skill sets
• Log Ready-to-Work job placement hours toward National Occupational Certification for any of 23 recognized professions
• Complete the Performance Evaluation and receive the Tourism Certified Professional (TCP) national professional designation

5. Job search assistance

Ready-to-Work participants complete the program with marketable certifications such as:

Tourism Essentials Service Excellence Smart Serve

Food Safety Training Program WHMIS

Ready-to-Work: Tourism Careers for Internationally Trained Individuals

Ready-to-Work: Tourism Careers for Internationally Trained Individuals (ITI’s) is specifically designed to serve newcomers to Canada with experience in tourism and hospitality. Since 2005, the project has helped over 300 ITI’s successfully transition into the Ontario workforce. This project also assists employers seeking to expand their workforce with qualified applicants. It provides training to supervisors and managers seeking to attract, retain, and advance foreign-trained professionals.

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (MCI) and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), this program is available in 6 regions across Ontario and is free for permanent residents or convention refugees with work permits.

Ready-to-Work: Tourism Careers for Métis and First Nations

In October 2009, OTEC and the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) launched a partnership project to deliver employment preparation, placement, and occupational credentialing to Métis and First Nations communities in Ottawa, Midland, and Sault Ste. Marie. Métis and First Nations participants  take part in an intensive 10-week program that includes classroom training, workplace communication training, workplace certifications and facilitated self-study in any of 22 national emerit occupation-specific certification programs. The program also helps to connect local employers with the growing pool of qualified and motivated candidates from Aboriginal communities across Ontario.

Click here to learn more about OTEC’s Ready-to-Work projects or contact:
Kim Bocking
Coordinator, Workforce Skills Development
416.622.1975 ext. 226
kbocking@otec.org

For more information on OTEC’s partners please contact:

Kingston:

KEYS Employment Services
613.546.5559
www.keys.ca

Mississauga:

ACCES Employment Services
905-361-2522
www.accesemployment.ca

Niagara:

Niagara Employment Help Centre
905.358.0021
www.ehc.on.ca

Ontario:

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)
613.798.1488
www.metisnation.org

Ottawa:

National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA Job Connect
613.788.5001
www.nationalcapitalregionymca-ywca.ca

Toronto:

ACCES Employment Services
416.921.1800
www.accesemployment.ca


The Career Foundation
855.223.8231
www.careerfoundation.com

Windsor:

Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor Inc.
519.944.4900
www.uhc.ca