The SMART accreditation program has hit another milestone: HT Hospitality Training becomes the first private institution to achieve the SMART+ distinction, highlighting the range of high-quality programming available to those wishing to start or further a career in tourism and hospitality.
Based in Ottawa, Ontario, since 2002, the hospitality training company offers short-term, hands-on courses for unemployed and underemployed individuals. The newly accredited programs are:
- Housekeeping Room Attendant
- Banquet Server, In-Room Dining, and Food & Beverage Server
- Front Desk Agent
Each one weaves together national occupational standards, transferable skills, job performance and health and safety standards, technical skills, and career planning. Students earn multiple certificates, including Emerit, First Aid/CPR, WHMIS, Smart Serve, and food safety.
“We are proud of this wonderful achievement. It affirms the work we have been doing, and we are hopeful that it will open up new opportunities for us to guide even more people in acquiring the essential skills, information, and connections to start a solid career in hospitality and tourism, while serving the needs of our industry partners,” said Norman McEvoy II, President and Director of Operations, HT Hospitality Training.
The team ensures programming keeps pace with evolving industry skill requirements. Staff members must have tourism experience. They are well connected with the local sector and actively seek feedback to reflect current practices in their courses. Past students and tourism employers visit classes to share their employment journeys.
Experiential learning is a priority. Each student completes a supervised three-week placement at an area property, allowing them to apply their learning firsthand and experience how key transferable skills such as customer service, teamwork, and communications play out on the job. Students graduate well placed to gain employment—and economic independence—upon completion of their program.
HT Hospitality Training follows a Social Purpose Business model. Its mandate is to effect change by making a positive impact on students and society by placing vulnerable clients in established, permanent positions in Ottawa’s thriving hospitality sector. Its long-standing funding partnerships ensure students can access the courses at no cost. Ongoing communication with area employers ensures the school focuses on occupations in need of staff and that students complete their training at peak hiring times.
Diversity is a key strength at HT Hospitality Training: students represent a wide variety of equity groups, fostering respect, teamwork, and open communication. They can access many supports to overcome challenges to completing their courses and gaining employment. Newcomers to Canada can arrange additional onsite language training. Program delivery methods are varied to cater to all learning styles. Staff consult with the Ontario Disability Support Program and social workers to provide an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Frequent student feedback identifies further areas for assistance.
“HT Hospitality Training is known for its practical, tailored learning experiences aimed at helping newcomers and others get meaningful tourism jobs,” stated Philip Mondor, President and CEO of Tourism HR Canada. “Our sincere congratulations to the team on its dedication to creating a skilled tourism labour force and empowering its students to reach their education and employment goals.”
Click here for more on the SMART accreditation program and application guidelines.