The Division of Tourism and Hospitality Studies of the Dominica State College (DSC) has been at the forefront of advancing education and training in the tourism industry. Since its inception in 2004, the Division has made great strides to promote quality education and training for individuals seeking careers in this dynamic industry.
“We strive to provide a cadre of educated and trained individuals ready for the dynamic tourism industry through quality Associate degrees in Tourism and Hospitality Studies and training in various fields. The Division ensures its graduates have a competitive edge when they enter their respective employment,” said Katie Julien, Director of the Division of Tourism & Hospitality Studies at Dominica State College. “Our staff is committed to helping students reach their full potential through training and our specialized curriculum, combining theory with hands-on learning experiences. We also offer a variety of extracurricular activities such as field trips, seminars, conferences, workshops, etc., which further enhance learners’ knowledge on topics related to hospitality management.”
The Division has achieved many successes over the years. Some include:
- Training over one hundred (100) participants in Hospitality-related skills – Snack Preparation, Front Desk Operations, Housekeeping, Service/Wait Staffing, Bar Tending, and Customer Service Skills under the National Employment Program (NEP);
- Assisting over fifteen (15) students to gain access to scholarships from the CARICOM/Canada Green Economy Leadership Scholarship program at Nova Scotia Community College;
- Training of seventy-eight (78) participants in Restaurant Service, Housekeeping, and Front Desk Operations, in partnership with Discover Dominica Authority with funding from the OAS and certified by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI);
- Training tourism front-line employees – Tour Guides, Lifeguards, Vendors, Taxi Drivers, Operators, and Tour Guides for the Kalinago Territory through collaboration with Dominica Community-Based Tourism Cluster Project;
- Researching Dominica, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, and St. Lucia’s eco-tourism needs and developing two (2) out of six (6) courses to supplement existing tourism programs within each member state. The project is in collaboration with Skills to Access Green Economy (SAGE) under CICan (Colleges and Institutes Canada);
- Through Continuing Education offered, empowerment courses such as snack preparation, introduction to management, and professional development;
- And engaging twenty-two (22) tourism studies and hospitality studies majors in the GEMS Foundation Hospitality School Internship Program.
The Division of Tourism and Hospitality Studies at DSC extends an open invitation for potential collaborations with organizations to nurture the tourism industry’s future workforce. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Director of Tourism and Hospitality Studies, Ms. Katie Julien, who can be reached at 275-7427 or through email at [email protected]. This presents an opportunity for prospective partners to engage in meaningful discussions and explore synergies that contribute to developing upcoming talents within the realm of tourism.
The Division of Tourism & Hospitality Studies of the Dominica State College is focused on delivering excellence in tourism and hospitality management education and training while preparing its learners for successful careers within the tourism industry. With the institution’s commitment to excellence, they look forward to continuing their mission of providing quality education for many years ahead.
