Grenada’s vocational training landscape is set for a significant transformation with the launch of the Work and Learn: Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme, a collaborative initiative between the Grenada National Training Agency (GNTA) and the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA). Funded by Canada’s Local Engagement and Action Fund (LEAF), this pioneering program represents a strategic investment in human capital development within the nation’s crucial tourism sector.
The comprehensive training framework will certify 45 hospitality professionals across three specialized disciplines: 8 pastry chefs, 17 bartenders and mixologists, and 20 housekeeping supervisors. The program combines theoretical instruction at either T A Marryshow Community College or the Point Salines Hotel with practical, hands-on training at participating hospitality establishments. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Level 3 Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ), a regionally recognized credential that enhances both employability and career advancement prospects.
Arlene Friday, CEO of GHTA, emphasized the program’s transformative potential: “This apprenticeship program represents a quantum leap in our commitment to cultivating a skilled workforce for Grenada’s hospitality sector. By equipping our employees with industry-recognized certifications, we are simultaneously creating pathways for personal advancement while elevating service standards across our tourism industry.”
Dr. Kemoy Edwards, CEO of GNTA, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative: “Our partnership with GHTA, bolstered by Canada’s support through LEAF, demonstrates the powerful synergy that emerges when institutions unite to address skills gaps. This program establishes a replicable model for sector-wide workforce development that can drive sustainable economic growth.”
Abebech Assefa, Head of Cooperation at the High Commission of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, stated: “Canada takes pride in supporting this initiative through LEAF, reflecting our dedication to inclusive economic growth through strategic investments in human capital development. This partnership with Grenadian institutions and private sector stakeholders strengthens hospitality workforce capabilities while creating meaningful opportunities that foster long-term resilience and shared prosperity.”
The nine-month program, scheduled to commence in April 2026, incorporates principles of environmental sustainability within hospitality operations and prioritizes inclusion by targeting underemployed youth aged 18-35, with particular emphasis on women and marginalized communities.