The provincial government is trying to ensure the local tourism industry is ready for a rebound.
They are partnering with Destination Northern Ontario to provide 300 people with free training to work in the sector this summer.
The investment of $1.25 million will help tourism businesses secure enough staff for the season as well as help more people get back to work.
Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton said the training will start virtually in early June for about three weeks.
McNaughton added the participants will then be matched with an existing business or operator for paid employment starting in July and lasting until September.
The program will help people get ready for a variety of positions including customer service, front desk reception, guest services, cooking and housekeeping.
He noted businesses will be reimbursed up to 30% of each workers salary up to $3,000 per worker hired.
“That way we are supporting local employers and workers in restarting their economy and we’re helping build up our beautiful North,” McNaughton mentioned.
Tourism-related industries experienced a total combined loss of 141,000 jobs between February 2020 and April 2021.
Prior to the pandemic, Ontario’s tourism industry generated more than $36 billion in economic activity and supported more than 390,000 jobs across the province.
People interested in participating in the program or employers interested hiring participants can find out more and apply at their local Employment Ontario office, or directly by contacting Destination Northern Ontario at 705-523-2228.
