The twelve successful candidates that attended today’s pinning ceremony are all smiles with the Minister of Tourism and Investment, The Honourable Charles Fernandez (centre) along with Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James (standing far left) and Executive Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI) Ruthlyn Matthias, Chairman of the ABHTI Shirlene Nibbs, Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Karen-Mae Hill and Executive Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association Patrice Simon (front row seated).
A three-year agreement has been signed between the government of the United Kingdom and Antigua and Barbuda to train residents in the hospitality sector.
In 2022 both governments signed a pact to train hospitality workers in Jersey between April 10 and September. Forty-eight candidates were selected then.
Now in the second year of a three-year agreement between both countries, one, hundred (100) Antiguan and Barbudan citizens will be given the opportunity to apply and work in Jersey.
According to reports, in the first year of the programme, the positions available in Jersey were specific to roles within hotels and restaurants however this year, positions will be made available in all areas of hospitality. Persons working in hotels, restaurants, retail, events and attractions for example, are encouraged to apply.
Persons who are eligible to apply include, recent graduates of the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute, employees of member organizations of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association and trained hospitality professionals with a minimum of three years working experience in the hospitality sector.
Ashleigh Gibbs who secured a position as Sous Chef with Nude Food Company in Jersey in 2022, remarked on her experience stating “I had the privilege of working with a group of friendly individuals who shared the same passion as I do – cooking! The best part was that I not only worked with English persons but also Romanians, Polish, Portuguese and lovely girls from the Canary Islands”.
Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner to the UK, remarking on the significance of the programme stated that “It was important for us to work on enhancing the work programme in Year two, to really make it meaningful for our employees. This year we will be focused heavily on training in two ways. Firstly, ensuring that employees receive training while they are actively working in Jersey and secondly ensuring that Trainers from Jersey have the opportunity, alongside a partnership with the Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute, to be able to conduct training courses locally.”
In looking at the future of our relationship with Jersey, High Commissioner remarked that “Both Jersey and Antigua and Barbuda share many similarities and we want to bring that to the public.
We plan to advance talks on exchanges in Heritage & Culture and the Digital Economy. These are two exciting new ways for us to collaborate and we are looking forward to exploring these options beyond the work programme.
All employees being accepted on the work programme must present their professional resume and complete a round of interviews before accessing the database of jobs available in Jersey.
A one-day Customer Service training programme is also mandatory for all applicants before traveling to Jersey.
Persons desirous of working in Jersey should contact the office of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association by calling 462.0374/4928 or emailing abhta@antiguahotels.org.
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