For Immediate Release
October 1, 2024
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and Okanagan College Announce South Okanagan Fall Beverage Industry Training Intake: Register by October 6, 2024
Photo credit: Thompson Okanagan/Caroline Peterson
Kelowna, B.C. - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Okanagan College are excited to announce the Fall 2024 intake of the Beverage Industry Training (BIT) program, running from October 21 to November 1, 2024. This complimentary two-week program is open to South Okanagan residents and offers an excellent opportunity for participants to gain valuable experience and foundational knowledge within the Okanagan beverage industry. Applications are open now through October 6, 2024.
Following the success of the program’s first cohort in April, the upcoming fall session will provide hands-on learning experiences at key locations such as District Wine Village, Okanagan College Penticton Campus, and the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre (BCBTAC). The BIT program delivers essential training in areas like grape varieties, production methods, and the distinct flavour profiles that define the Okanagan beverage scene. Key modules focus on customer service excellence, financial literacy, sales strategies, employee retention, and adaptability in challenging times. New hires, winery owners, and seasoned staff gain valuable skills that empowered them to thrive in the competitive market.
"TOTA is dedicated to fostering the growth and sustainability of the tourism and hospitality industries in the Thompson Okanagan region. Programs like the Beverage Industry Training equip participants on the front lines of our industry with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive market,” says Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO of Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. “By partnering with Okanagan College, we ensure that our training programs are of the highest quality, relevant, and impactful. This collaboration is crucial for building a robust workforce that can support and elevate our regional tourism, driving economic growth and enriching the visitor experience for years to come.”
Spaces for the October intake of the Beverage Industry Training are limited and open to residents of Summerland, Naramata, Penticton, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos, Keremeos, Cawston, and Rock Creek.
Applications must be submitted by October 6, 2024. Register here.
Advanced Beverage Training Coming in November
Looking ahead, TOTA and Okanagan College will also be launching a Tier 2 Beverage Industry Training program in November 2024, designed for advanced participants. This program will focus on craftsmanship, quality assurance, leadership development, and business sustainability, offering deeper insights and strategies to prepare participants for leadership roles within the industry.
Details on the November intakes and how to apply will be announced soon. Interested individuals are encouraged to keep an eye on TOTABC.org/training for updates or sign up for TOTA’s industry newsletter.
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About Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association:
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a not-for-profit society that represents a geographic area nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. The region’s name is derived from two major geographic features: the Thompson River and Okanagan Lake. TOTA plays a support, leadership, and growth role in the tourism industry as a regional destination management organization. It aims to stimulate ongoing sustainable growth by embracing the value of tourism through community engagement, innovative leadership in promoting authentic experiences, and inspiring creative collaboration. Key initiatives include; Biosphere Certified Gold Destination, 7 Generations Pledge, and Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.
For more information about TOTA, visit TOTABC.org, or visit the consumer facing website ThompsonOkanagan.com. Connect socially at @Thompson_Okanagan
About Okanagan College:
Okanagan College is committed to empowering individuals and communities in the region to make positive change through exceptional learning experiences, applied research, and innovation. Students and their communities are at the centre of everything that they do.
Okanagan College has been embedded in the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the region since 1963. It has grown and developed with the region and, in turn, has impacted the growth and development of the region in meaningful ways. Looking forward, Okanagan College will design intentional change to meet the learning needs of urban, rural, and remote students throughout the region as well as nationally and internationally.
For more information, visit Okanagan.BC.ca
Media Contact:
Krista Lochhead
Hatch Comms
778.227.2396
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