The National University of Samoa [N.U.S.] is offering 80 tourism industry workers who were laid off due to the economic downturn an opportunity to undergo a six-month training program.

The training program, which has been accredited by the Samoa Qualification Authority [S.Q.A.], is funded through financial support offered by the Government through its COVID-19 stimulus package.

NUS President and Vice Chancellor, Professor Alec Ekeroma, announced the training program and the offering of 80 spots on the university’s live talanoa session on Tuesday.

"The funds of the partnership between the Samoa Tourism Authority and N.U.S. comes from the Government stimulus package and this package stimulates the economy," Professor Ekeroma said.

"The funds came through the S.T.A. and N.U.S. has been contracted together with other education providers such as A.P.T.C. and Business Hub."

Professor Ekeroma added that the six-month training program will be intensive as it normally takes a year to complete the course, and it is hoped the recipients of the training will use their newly acquired skills when the tourism industry reopens.

"The training will go on for 6 months but usually it takes 12 months so it will be intensive,” he reiterated.

"We are offering 80 spots at the moment and more than 40 have already enrolled. 

“They also receive allowances, so not only is the government paying for their training they’re also provided with allowances.”

Professor Ekeroma encouraged workers who were laid off by tourism operators due to the impact of COVID-19 to enroll in the program and attend the training, as they will be awarded certificates at its conclusion.