UpSkill Tourism micro-credentials
Developing a sustainable, resilient tourism economy and supporting leaders in the tourism industry
Georgian’s Continuing Education and Corporate Training department is proud to introduce the UpSkill Tourism micro-credential program. The project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectorial Initiatives Program and is specifically designed to respond to the challenges in the tourism and hospitality sectors across the regions of Muskoka, Simcoe, Dufferin, Grey and Bruce County.
About the UpSkill Tourism micro-credential program
The UpSkill Tourism micro-credential program is FREE for eligible participants. This program offers two distinct and unique micro-certificates aimed at addressing critical challenges in the tourism and hospitality sector:
- Frontline Service is designed to reskill and upskill frontline service workers.
- Managers and Aspiring Leaders supports the development of aspiring leaders, supervisors, managers and business owners.
Modules have been designed based on sectoral-focused feedback from stakeholders and industry employers. Participants can choose from a variety of topics and are required to complete five out of seven available modules in order to achieve the final UpSkill Tourism micro-credential digital badge, along with a monetary completion bonus. This program will provide participants with the tools and techniques needed to succeed in today’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Eligible participants include employed individuals as well as unemployed, underemployed, underrepresented groups and minorities (e.g., persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, women, youth and newcomers seeking employment opportunities). Specialized content and additional supports will be available to enhance learning where required.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for the UpSkill Tourism program, participants must meet the following requirements:
- Permanent resident of Canada (valid Social Insurance Number)
- Valid Ontario mailing address
- 15 years of age or older
Frontline Service
Application period: Closed
Program start: Winter 2025 semester runs January 6 – April 17, 2025
Delivery: Asynchronous/online/self-paced
Managers and Aspiring Leaders
Application period: Closed
Program start: Winter 2025 semester runs January 6 – April 17, 2025
Delivery: Asynchronous/online/self-paced
UpSkill Tourism micro-credential modules
All modules are infused with the theme of fostering a culture of kindness, self-care and a sense of community and belonging. Carving out time to intentionally promote these topics cultivates empathy and understanding between individuals, leading to deeper relationships and happier, more productive employees.
Frontline Service: Sectoral training and worker transition for frontline employees
Complete five of seven modules to complete the Frontline Service micro-certificate. Modules will explore the skills, concepts and values required for tourism and hospitality frontline workers in this modern and evolving industry and prepares frontline workers for career development opportunities into leadership roles.
21st Century Skills
Estimated completion time: Eight hours
This module provides an overview of foundational abilities that are the core skills and traits required in nearly every job in the tourism and hospitality industry. These skills play a significant part in contributing to the individual’s effective and successful participation in the tourism and hospitality workplace. The key competencies that will be examined are extremely desirable to any organization searching for staff.
Customer Experience
Estimated completion time: Three hours
In this module, discover what customer experience (CX) is and how to apply it to the tourism and hospitality sector. Understand the concept of CX to both external and internal customers as it relates to the tourism and hospitality industry. With a focus on identifying areas of improvement to effectively increase customer satisfaction, the concepts explored will support career and personal growth as a service provider.
Communicating for Success
Estimated completion time: Six hours
In this module, learn how to improve relationships at work by understanding voice dynamics and body language and learning how to listen, question, and give feedback effectively. Develop a comprehension of effective communication skills and the organizational impacts communication can have on an organization. Having the ability to create good working relationships and maintain a spirit of rapport and teamwork is essential for a successful career. This module is part of the Management Essentials micro-certificate.
Safety 101
Estimated completion time: Six hours
Employees in the hospitality and tourism industry need to be re-educated on current customer expectations as it relates to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Cleanliness will play a more prominent role in the hospitality and tourism industry, while employees strive to maintain a positive guest experience. Training includes Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC), Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and industry best practices.
Diversity and Inclusion
Estimated completion time: Six hours
In this module, explore inclusionary practices that support working with others in a respectful and collaborative manner while learning strategies to build trust and strengthen relationships within a diverse team. Examine the importance of a diverse workforce in order to build a successful organization. This module is part of the Management Essentials micro-certificate.
Emotional Intelligence
Estimated completion time: Six hours
In this module, learn how to improve relationships at work through an understanding of emotional intelligence (EI) and its role in leadership. EI is the capability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as understand and influence the emotions of others. Using EI tools, strategies and techniques, explore common emotions and behaviours, and how to manage emotions to achieve goals in the workplace. This module is part of the Management Essentials micro-certificate.
Kitchen Theory and Operations
Estimated completion time: 16 hours
In this module, gain an understanding of the basics of food preparation, equipment safety, sanitation, hygiene, and the overall operation of a commercial kitchen. In addition, develop essential skills, knowledge, and professional attitudes required to work as part of a hospitality team in or around the kitchen. In this module, participants will receive FREE Smart Serve and Ontario Food Handlers certifications.
Managers and Aspiring Leaders: Programming geared to business owners, managers and supervisors
Complete five of seven modules to complete the Managers and Aspiring Leaders micro-certificate. Modules will explore the skills, concepts and values required for tourism and hospitality leaders in this modern and evolving industry.
Get Creative with Social Media
Estimated completion time: Six hours
Participants will learn strategies, methods and techniques to effectively use social media for marketing and advertising in a hospitality/tourism and business environment. Participants gain an understanding about the advantages and disadvantages of current social media platforms. They discover how to manage the social media community and brand platforms effectively, as well as measure and report social media results.
Tourism 2.0 – Be a Changemaker
Estimated completion time: Six hours
In this module, participants come together to identify issues, determine solutions and review new strategies to solve issues, organize fluid teams, lead collective action and continually adapt as situations change. Discuss techniques to bridge the gap between human-delivered services versus technology-delivered services and prepare teams to build a more sustainable and resilient tourism economy.
Management and Leadership
Estimated completion time: Six hours
The opportunities and need for growth and development within a leadership role are vast, encompassing a broad range of knowledge and skills. This module is designed to enhance leadership skills, critical thinking, problem solving, communication and mentoring development as participants build on existing skills and experiences and apply those skills to workplace situations.
Leveraging Technology
Estimated completion time: Six hours
Modern workers, despite having a strong desire to self-manage, are still equally interested in feedback, connection, camaraderie and human interaction. Using technology effectively, businesses can help their employees embrace and thrive in a remote position from anywhere in the world. From streamlining communications to fostering company culture, technology can make the difference between a successful or unsuccessful transition to remote work. Technology can be used to create effective communication and collaboration, which can lead to increased employee retention.
Efficiency Through Cross-training
Estimated completion time: Six hours
Employee turnover rates in the hospitality industry traditionally run much higher than most other industries. Cross-training supports retention. Explore its many benefits, all of which impact the bottom line. Increased flexibility, advancement, efficiency and profits will be discussed. In this module, learn how to effectively implement a cross-training program to support the changing demands during a pandemic.
Coaching for Performance
Estimated completion time: Six hours
Coaching is an ideal way to continuously improve the performance of workers. Discover the coaching model and how to apply its principles. Learn how to use coaching as a motivator to maximize employee performance and foster employee commitment, satisfaction and dedication. Master the tools and techniques that increase your effectiveness when managing performance and coaching virtually so you can overcome challenges specific to leading a virtual team. Build effective long-distance teams and manage and coach virtually with success and complete confidence.
Developing Effective Teams
Estimated completion time: Six hours
Teamwork plays a vital role in the hospitality industry. Learn how to create and maintain a successful team in a remote environment. Discover the four phases of the team development model and identify effective team behaviours. Discuss how to set team goals and develop strategies for managing conflict within a team.
How the program works
Registration for the UpSkill Tourism micro-credential program—including each micro-certificate and module—is open to anyone wishing to upgrade their skills and employability.
Intake avenues
Unemployed or employment services
- If you are unemployed or an employment services staff member, we can help! Contact us to get started.
Self-identification
- You can self-identify to participate in the UpSkill Tourism program by contacting UpSkill Tourism staff. We are ready to assist you!
Corporate Training
- If you’re an employer in the tourism and hospitality sector in Georgian’s campus communities and want to participate or have your employees participate in this program, please contact us.
Corporate training
If you’re an employer in the tourism and hospitality sector in the Muskoka, Simcoe, Dufferin, Grey and Bruce County regions and want to participate in corporate training, we can help.
You may refer eligible employees for participation, per the criteria above. Employees can take part in the training while continuing to work.
I want to be a participant
Apply to participate in the UpSkill Tourism micro-credential program
For a limited time, the UpSkill Tourism micro-credential program will cover the cost of tuition and other training costs for eligible participants including, but not limited to, Food Handlers Certificate, Infection, Prevention and Control (IPAC), SmartServe, and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
Potential participants will be referred to the UpSkill Tourism education and training consultant, complete the intake process to ensure eligibility requirements have been met, and participate in a program orientation.
Once you have completed each module and/or received all digital badges associated with the micro-credential, you will be granted the full micro-credential. If completed in the appropriate timeframe, a financial completion bonus will also be awarded. Participants who complete a minimum of five of the seven available modules are eligible for the childcare reimbursement program. Contact us for more information.
Looking for educational support?
Students currently participating in or who have completed Upskill Tourism may be eligible for additional pathway opportunities through Academic and Career Preparation (ACP).
ACP is a free, goal-directed, flexible and supportive academic upgrading program offered at most Georgian campuses. You can also earn your Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate that’s recognized as equivalent to a Grade 12 diploma by all Ontario colleges and many employers. ACE also meets the requirements for entrance into apprenticeships across the province.
Hire program graduates
Interested in hiring an Upskill Tourism micro-credential program graduate?
If you’re an employer and want to hire a participant, you may register with the UpSkill Tourism education and training consultant to become an employer of choice. This will provide you with access to employees who graduate from the program with the most up-to-date, in-demand, sectoral-focused skills.
We will work to ensure that each participant completes the program in full and that employers have access to any additional programming.
Testimonials
Hear what program graduates have to say about UpSkill Tourism!
I’m reaching out to express my sincere appreciation for giving me the opportunity to gain a valuable educational experience as a participant in the UpSkill Tourism micro-credential program – Managers and Aspiring Leaders at Georgian College. I didn’t know what to expect when I saw the advertisement and signed up…Your grace in allowing me to do it now instead of January when my schedule would be extensively more demanding is truly appreciated. I’ve really come away with a wealth of knowledge and value and hope that it will really help me in my professional development as a leader in any industry — not just tourism.
Nadine Morris, UpSkill Tourism program graduate (Fall 2023 Tier 2)
The videos were just short enough for focus and understanding and I enjoyed the program’s asynchronous nature of the content and flexibility, which caters to my busy schedule. This flexibility was a crucial factor that contributed to my successful completion of the program. As I reflect on my journey through the program, I can confidently say that the knowledge I’ve acquired has bolstered my confidence. Thanks to the entire team at Georgian for their dedication to delivering a program that goes above and beyond in preparing professionals for leadership roles in the tourism industry.
Thank you once again for this enriching experience.
As a guest services and front desk agent working at a busy hotel, I’ve recognized that since taking the UpSkill Tourism micro-credential program, I’ve felt more connected with each guest that comes through the door. I’m more inspired to come to work and engage with each guest – even those deemed more “challenging” – as there have been tools from the program I’ve been able to implement that add to both the guest experience, and my own experience, in a remarkable way. I would highly recommend this valuable program to anyone currently in the hospitality and service industry. It has not only assisted me in becoming a better employee who connects deeper with each guest, but also has wonderful personal growth attributes to it.
January Soden, UpSkill Tourism program graduate
The UpSkill Tourism micro-credential program has been a transformative journey that has greatly enhanced my skills, expanded my knowledge in the dynamic field of tourism and management. The program’s comprehensive curriculum and dedicated instructors have exceeded my expectations by providing practical insights and relevant industry knowledge. The program offered engaging interactive discussions, case studies and virtual simulations, which allowed me to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios, further enhancing my learning experience. I am truly grateful for the invaluable opportunities for growth and development that this program has offered.
Kristie McInnis, UpSkill Tourism program graduate
Featured partners
The UpSkill Tourism micro-credential program is excited to be working with several employers from the tourism sectors in the Muskoka, Simcoe, Dufferin, Grey and Bruce County regions.
Featured faculty
Adam McMaster
Over the past decade, Adam McMaster has been working for Blue Mountain Resorts in food and beverage administration. In addition, over the last five years, he has held a part-time professor role in the Georgian’s Hospitality – Hotel and Resort Operations program. Adam brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a large network to his current role as the Training and Education Consultant in the Continued Education and Corporate Training department. He is the main contact for the UpSkill Tourism micro-credential program.
Angela Newman
Angela Newman joined the Georgian faculty community in 2006 in the Academic and Career Preparation (ACP) department at the Owen Sound Campus. In 2007, she joined the John Di Poce South Georgian Bay Campus in the ACP and Food Service Worker program. She has taught various science-focused postsecondary courses. In 2013, she co-developed a two-day food safety regulatory training pilot with Georgian College and Simcoe, Grey, and Bruce counties. Most recently, Angela has honed her Blackboard skills, developing various employment readiness programs to meet the needs of local students and employers.
Micki Rivers
Micki Rivers has a wealth experience teaching and facilitating of postsecondary studies. She is currently the Program Coordinator for the Hospitality – Hotel and Resort program in John Di Poce South Georgian Bay Campus. This two-year diploma program offers an opportunity to gain experience working for industry partners in the region such as Living Water Resorts and Blue Mountain Resort. This pilot program has received recognition from the college for academic innovation, as students graduate with proven skills in the industry.
Greg Rodrigo
Greg Rodrigo has been a member of the Georgian community since August of 1999 when he joined as faculty in the Computer Studies department. Four years later, he assumed the coordinator role. His influence in that program area was substantial. In 2013, Greg was awarded the 3M College Sector Educator Award. In recent years, Greg’s most prolific role relates to his work over the last decade where he has used his teaching and leading super powers to support faculty peers as a faculty developer in the Centre for Teaching and Learning.
Kayla Rodrigo
Kayla Rodrigo has worked for various departments at Georgian since 2012 as an e-learning developer, peer ambassador, customer service representative, and learning skills assistant. She also volunteered with the English for Academic Purposes department in 2018 and the Centre for Teaching and Learning from 2011 to 2021. Kayla graduated from Laurentian University’s Bachelor of Arts program with a specialization in history in 2015, as well as Georgian’s Office Administration – Executive program in 2022.
Contact us
Our team is always available for questions related to corporate training including group rates, custom programming and how to best utilize Georgian resources.
Contact information
upskilltourism@georgiancollege.ca
249.288.7201
One Georgian Drive
Barrie, ON L4M 3X9
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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