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Building Saskatchewan’s Tourism Workforce: Pilot Program
Tourism Saskatchewan’s Workforce Development Division recently delivered a successful pilot program that trained over 175 participants across five communities through Emerit’s Work Readiness Credential. The initiative helped job seekers gain industry-recognized skills and prepare for rewarding careers in Saskatchewan’s growing tourism and hospitality sector.
Wednesday, October 15 2025
Building Saskatchewan’s Tourism Workforce: Pilot Program Helps Train Over 125 Participants Province Wide
A strong and skilled workforce is the foundation of Saskatchewan’s growing tourism and hospitality industry. To help meet the demand for knowledgeable and job-ready employees, Tourism Saskatchewan’s Workforce Development Division launched a pilot project earlier this year that offered participants the opportunity to earn an industry-recognized Work Readiness Credential through Emerit. The training was created by industry, for industry.
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About the Program
Delivered in partnership with settlement and employment organizations across the province, the pilot program ran from August to September 2025 and provided industry-specific training to 176 participants. The initiative aimed to introduce Saskatchewan residents to rewarding careers in tourism and hospitality while equipping them with the practical skills and confidence to succeed in the workplace.
Participants completed two components of Emerit’s newly launched entry-level training, Workplace Essentials, and one occupation-specific course (Front Desk Agent, Housekeeping Room Attendant or Line Cook). These courses are based on National Occupational Standards (NOS) and ensure that participants learn the most up to date skills, knowledge and best practices needed to thrive in frontline roles.
Pilot Program Highlights
The pilot achieved strong engagement and completion outcomes across five participating communities: Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, North Battleford and Swift Current.
Program Results:
176 participants
125 completed at least one component of the training program (i.e. Workplace Essentials or an Occupation-Specific course)
96 completed the full program
These results demonstrate the growing interest in tourism careers and the value of structured and accessible training opportunities for individuals entering or reentering the workforce.
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Supporting Saskatchewan Talent
Funded by the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, the pilot program reflects a shared commitment to developing Saskatchewan’s workforce by connecting job seekers with practical and employer driven learning experiences. Through this initiative, participants gained not only technical skills but also a broader understanding of workplace culture, communication, professionalism and customer service. These skills are key to success in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Next Steps
Following the success of the pilot, Tourism Saskatchewan’s Workforce Development Division will continue exploring opportunities to expand the Work Readiness Credential across the province.
Organizations interested in learning more about the program can contact the Workforce Development team at training@tourismsask.com.