Ads by Google Ads by Google

Pacific News Briefs

The Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA) will launch the new Samoa Qualifications (SQs) in Tourism and Hospitality at the Millenia Hotel fale, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017. The development of the new SQs addresses the shortage of skilled workers and existing gaps in the tourism industry.  [photo: courtesy]
compiled by Samoa News staff

NEW QUALIFICATIONS ADDRESS SKILLS GAP IN TOURISM INDUSTRY

The development of new Samoa Qualifications (SQs) in Tourism and Hospitality addresses the shortage of skilled workers and existing gaps in the tourism industry.

The Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA) will launch the new SQs in Tourism and Hospitality at the Millenia Hotel fale, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017.

A total of 112 National Competency Standards (NCSs) which have been packaged into twelve SQs were developed based on feedback provided by various employers in the tourism sector with technical advice from the Sector Advisory Group (SAG). The qualifications are now registered on the Samoa Qualifications Framework (SQF) after satisfying the requirements for registration.

 The development of the SQs in Tourism and Hospitality started in 2013 with the support of the Samoa-Australia Partnership for Development under the TVET Support Programme coordinated by SQA.

In 2013, the Tourism and Hospitality sector Needs Analysis Report identified the shortage of skilled workers ranging from management to laborer positions as barriers to the growth of the industry.

The report concluded with consultations with stakeholders that affirmed the need for skilled workers in the different areas of the industry.

Furthermore, “these have collectively indicated a need to focus on the major areas in hospitality, as well as management and tour guiding from the tourism side of the industry,” stated the report.

“However, for all these areas to provide efficient and better quality services it is essential for all employees of the industry (current and prospective) to possess the ability to be able to read, write, listen to, take notes and communicate fluently in English.”

The report also recommended that NCSs should be developed for the Tourism and Hospitality sector to cater for the skills needed by various stakeholders in order for the industry to progress and maintain its place as the highest export earner for Samoa.

The newly developed SQs target everyone including those without qualifications wanting to pursue careers in Tourism and Hospitality.  The qualifications help to document existing knowledge and skills to further anyone’s career in the industry.

The new SQs registered on the SQF are: 

Samoa Certificates I – IV Tourism

Samoa Certificates I – IV Hospitality

Samoa Certificates I – IV Kitchen Operations/Commercial Cookery  

[Source: Samoa Qualifications Authority]

AMATA WORKS TO PROMOTE AGRICULTURE AND SMALL BUSINESSES

Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 -  Congresswoman Aumua Amata was pleased to participate in a bipartisan Small Business Committee Roundtable discussion focused on the needs of small businesses, and also met with Congressman Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania to highlight the agricultural needs of American Samoa.

“It was a real pleasure meeting with Congressman Glenn Thompson to highlight the status of American Samoan agriculture,” said Aumua Amata. “I appreciate his expertise on agricultural matters and his interest in American Samoa, and I enjoyed the chance to discuss what he saw of our island agriculture in his visit to American Samoa early this year.”

Rep. Thompson serves as vice chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, and Chairman of its Subcommittee on Nutrition. He traveled to American Samoa in February to directly observe more about the economy and agriculture of the islands.

“I appreciate today’s Roundtable discussion and the innovative thinking of the entrepreneurs that were there to share ideas,” said Aumua Amata. “I’m pleased that through the Small Business Committee we have opportunities to refine small business priorities in Congress.”

Specifically, the Roundtable heard directly from small business leaders on the topic of Private Sector Entrepreneurial Development Initiatives. More information is available here from the Small Business Committee.