Songhees Wellness Centre. Photo courtesy Youtube.
A partnership with Camosun College is giving 24 Songhees students an opportunity at a new culinary arts, hospitality and tourism management program.
Advanced Education, Skills and Training Minister Melanie Mark was at the Songhees Wellness Centre to announce the program Wednesday, with $655,00 of funding over two years.
It is part of the Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships Program, with the Songhees Nation among 40 communities in the province to receive $21.1 million over the next three years.
It is aimed at providing First Nations learners post-secondary education and training.
The province estimates 6,210 jobs in the accommodation and food-service industry will need to be filled over the next 10 years in Victoria and Vancouver Island.
“We designed the Songhees Wellness Centre to include a fully equipped commercial kitchen, as career opportunities in the culinary arts were part of our vision,” Songhees Nation councillor and Songhees Seafood and Steam director Gary Sam said.
“We currently have two Red Seal apprentices in the Hospitality Training Program at Camosun College, and the interest to participate is high among our community members.”
The program will provide students with Professional Cook level 1 certification, two applied tourism and hospitality courses, various third-party certificates related to the industry and work placement upon completion.
Andy Neal
