'Earn while you learn' French-language training program supports Sutton’s tourism industry

PRESS RELEASE

Public-private-civil society collaboration responsible for offering innovative earn while you learn training program to support Sutton’s tourism industry

SUTTON, QC – November 14, 2019 – Mont SUTTON, the Community Economic Development  and Employability Corporation (CEDEC) and Eastern Townships School Board, with the financial support of the government of Quebec, jointly announce an innovative earn while you learn training program to assist English speakers in developing or upgrading their French language skills to work in Sutton’s tourism sector.

This French language training is being provided to 11 participants on Mont SUTTON’s premises by the Eastern Townships School Board, through the Brome-Missisquoi Campus. During the customized 10-week, 300-hour training program, participants are receiving a salary and will immediately secure a job during the winter season at Mont SUTTON.  A presentation of certificates will be held on November 18, 2019 at 12 p.m. at Mont SUTTON.

A second phase of the remunerated training program, consisting of 180 hours, will take place in Spring of 2020. Upon completion, participants will be able to work at Mont SUTTON or at one of their local partners in the tourism industry.

“This project is an excellent example of a collaborative approach between industry, education and community, aimed at fostering and supporting economic development in our region,” expressed Martin Vigneux, Centre Director of the Brome-Missisquoi Campus Adult Education Centre.  “By adapting our offer of service, we are not only answering a need as expressed by Mont SUTTON, but also supporting student success, which will in turn add to the economic prosperity of our local region.”

“The workforce shortage is a huge challenge for employers in the tourism industry,” said Véronique Dumont, HR Coordinator of Mont SUTTON. “Thanks to this program, these candidates will have the opportunity to work with our tourism industry partners during the 2020 summer season and have year-round employment. Everyone benefits through this initiative.”

“Creating jobs and strengthening employability is a concrete example of how public, private, and civil society collaboration improves the economic well-being of communities,” said John Buck, President and CEO of CEDEC. As the catalyst of this collaborative effort, Buck stated that “CEDEC is delighted with the results of the workforce development initiative, which was advantageous for our partners and also for the minority English-speaking and majority French-speaking communities of the region.”

A finalist

Within the context of innovative projects, Mont SUTTON was a finalist for an Award of Excellence in Tourism by the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec, in the category of “Innovative Human Resource Practices” announced on November 13, 2019 and chosen as a fan favourite by Tourismexpress.

About the partners

A global thinker and local actor, CEDEC facilitates collaboration across public, private, and civil society sectors to unleash and leverage creative potential and innovation that enhances economic activity benefitting communities. Such collaboration creates forward-looking businesses, expands trade, future-proofs jobs, up-skills workforces, and ensures greater community resilience and prosperity. www.cedec.ca

Mont SUTTON is a major ski resort located in Quebec’s Eastern Townships which offers 60 trails, 230 acres of pure joy and a microclimate that allows for generous snowfall.  Mont SUTTON is committed to offering a memorable ski experience, filled with emotions, all in an authentic atmosphere and environment in harmony with nature.
www.montsutton.com

The Brome-Missisquoi Campus Adult Education Centre offers courses to adult students 16 years and older who want to pursue their education and also offers English and French language programs to improve their level of bilingualism. The Centre is part of the Eastern Townships School Board, that provides educational services for students in the Estrie and Montérégie areas.
www.etsb.qc.ca