Forward Ready Tourism is a collaborative solution designed to meet the evolving workforce needs of Ontario’s tourism industry.
Facilitating access to a range of workforce attraction and retention support has never been more critical as the industry continues to face workforce challenges to varying degrees across the province. Results of recent focus groups facilitated by TIAO and conducted with tourism operators underscored the importance of balancing immediate workforce needs such as improving access to training and skills development, with long-term talent pipeline strategies. The goals of the Forward Ready Tourism project are aligned with what TIAO heard from industry stakeholders and will help Ontario’s tourism industry maximize its inclusive economic potential through.
Forward Ready Tourism Project Goals
Skills development for both new
and seasoned talent
Connecting job ready talent with employment opportunities through partnerships with education and community employment services providers
Building awareness of career opportunities in tourism with the next generation of talent
Through this project, tourism businesses and workers, as well as Ontarians looking to start their career in tourism will have access to training and resources to upgrade their skills and ensure they are prepared with the skills needed to succeed, today and in the future.
Partnerships are at the heart of this initiative, as indicated in the project name and include regional tourism organizations, Indigenous Tourism Ontario, Destination Northern Ontario, in addition to the sector’s leading workforce development organizations including the Hospitality Workers Training Centre, Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC), and Tourism HR Canada. The combined years of workforce development expertise and the tailored sector-specific training that these partners provide will ensure that individuals, whether looking to start their career in tourism or those already working in the sector and who are eager to upgrade their skills, are prepared to meet the future workforce demands of the sector.
In partnership with industry, regional tourism organizations, and workforce development leaders, TIAO is pleased to spearhead this initiative with generous support from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Skills Development Fund Training Stream. The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is designed to support projects across all sectors that address challenges to hiring, training, or retaining workers, to drive Ontario’s economic growth.
To get involved, please contact Kim Marshall, Project Director at kmarshall@tiaontario.ca. For media inquiries, please contact media@tiaontario.ca.