Pathways to Professionalism: Industry-based training and Upskilling
The study conducted by USAID’s Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam) indicates that by 2027, the hospitality sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina will have a shortage of more than 8,000 workers. To meet this challenge, USAID Turizam, in collaboration with 11 leading hotels and restaurants in Sarajevo and Jahorina, has launched the Pathways to Professionalism, an innovative and proactive initiative for workforce development, motivation, and worker retention. USAID Turizam signed the Joint Implementation Plan with hotels Holiday, Europe, Courtyard by Marriot Sarajevo, Termag, Vučko, Tarčin Forest Resort and Spa, Pino Nature, Swissotel, Novotel Bristol, Ibis Styles and restaurant ‘Druga kuća’.
On this occasion, the acting president of the FBiH Chamber of Commerce Marko Šantić, stated: “Pathways to Professionalism is one of the directions for the life-long learning. I have no doubt that the results of this program will soon become visible. We will have candidates without hospitality experience as well as those who will be prepared for management roles in restaurants and hotels.”
In the BiH tourism sector, the problem of workforce shortage is a serious issue. Analysis estimated that by 2027, the tourism sector will be in the need for 18,500 workers. During this time frame, only 10,400 workers will be newly qualified, resulting in a gap of 8,100 workers. This gap can be bridged with on-the-job training at the workplace, learning materials, practical experience, mentoring, and certification that is recognized in both the hospitality and tourism sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
On behalf of the RS Chamber of Commerce, Secretary of Trade, Tourism and Hospitality Association in the Republika Srpska Chamber of Commerce Dragana Šobot, highlighted: “Our goal is to increase the level of competency and expertise to a new and higher level. We hope that the program will in the following period encompass the greater number of hotels and restaurants, and we will support its implementation.”
Photo Credit: Jasmin Agović
Pathways to Professionalism is implemented in collaboration with leading hotels, restaurants, chambers of commerce, relevant ministries, and other relevant stakeholders. The program is founded on the four premises, including that hotels and restaurants should become training centers for the excellence in occupations; that trainings should be efficient and short; and that training should become an efficient means of creating new employment opportunities and enhancing existing skills.
USAID/BiH Economic Development Office Director Karl Wurster, stated: The Pathways to Professionalism will provide unskilled, skilled, professional, and technically competent individuals with a structured training program to assure the competency in their chosen discipline. Through the Pathways to Professionalism program led by USAID Turizam, the US Government will continue to support the tourism private sector in leading growth, including positioning BiH as one of the most vibrant and attractive tourism destinations internationally.”
Banja Luka is expected to join the program’s implementation at the start of 2023, followed by Mostar, Trebinje, Bihać, and Neum in the subsequent two years.
Photo Credit: Jasmin Agović
