Porta Bella Restaurant
In May 2009, we travelled to North Battleford to discuss the challenges employers in this region of the province are experiencing in today's economy and labour market. Individuals at two properties were interviewed, including: Porta Bella Restaurant and Gold Eagle Lodge.
Although the managerial staff at the above properties are experiencing varying challenges related to recruitment and retention issues like skills shortages, both interviewees said staff are eager and willing to participate in the training offered by the Transforming the Tourism Workforce project.
Skills shortages is a challenge experienced by employers at Porta Bella Restaurant, a full service eatery that employs 20 part- and full-time staff and up to 24 at Christmas and in the summer. Fortunately, Stacey McKay, Owner, said employees "are willing to learn and get recognition and certificates."
In order to ease the burden of studying before and after work, the managerial team is encouraging staff to bring their workbooks on-the-job. This provides employees with the opportunity to study both individually and in groups.
It is hoped that staff participating in the project will experience increased levels of pride as a result of the training acquired, as well as share their new knowledge, skills, and attitude with other employees. McKay said this in turn will improve staff relations and customer service.
