MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)- The Waccamaw and Santee Lynches Regions are partnering to offer educators an inside look into skill, training and opportunities in Hospitality and Tourism.
The two-day event will allow educators from across the state to learn about the programs at Horry Georgetown Technical College and hear presentations from the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and Conway Chamber of Commerce among others.
Those who attended the first day were especially interested to know more about specific skills their students would acquire and how that would translate into employment.
“I think the basic advantage for this program particularly at the technical school side is that it’s easy on the pocketbook. Within 18-21 months you come out with a skill that’s marketable,” Brendan Barber of the Georgetown County School District said.
Carlos Weerasinghe is a student at HGTC’s Culinary program and the growing programs are what attracted him from New York.
“The cuisine down here is growing. The industry and food industry down here. They just started food trucks down here a year ago. It’s just a growing industry,” Weerasinghe said.
Tourism has posted record numbers for three straight years, growing into a $19 billion industry in South Carolina, state Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Duane Parrish recently announced.
Leaders with HGTC say that’s why they wanted to hold the event to make community members aware of all that’s available.
“We then develop programs so that our students can go right to work or continue on for their bachelors degree. We have a 90 plus placement rate in jobs and it’s because we listen to the community and make sure there are jobs students can go into,” HGTC Business Department Academic Chair Candace Howell said.
Those in the industry say that’s important because of how competitive it now is.
“Well, the hiring arena has become as competitive as I’ve ever seen it. And there’s a lot emphasis on not just hospitality but manufacturing and other jobs,” David McMillan, Former Chair of the South Carolina Restaurant Lodging Association said.
The event wraps up tomorrow with presentation at The Peanut Warehouse.
