Holland College and Restaurants Canada have signed a unique partnership agreement that will give graduates from several programs related to the tourism and hospitality industry an edge in their search for employment, Holland College President Brian McMillan announced today.

The first of its kind in Canada, the Graduate Partnership Program will give students graduating from several of the college’s programs, including those of Culinary Institute of Canada, a special “GradPass”. The one-year pass will allow graduates to access research and information on Restaurants Canada’s members-only website, give them free admission to industry trade shows in Halifax and Toronto, and allow them to post their resumes and profiles on a new, specialized job site exclusively for GradPass holders and Restaurants Canada members.

Restaurants Canada is the national association for the country’s $68-billion foodservice industry. President McMillan said the college is pleased to be able to partner with this forward thinking organization.

“Holland College is committed to providing our students with the skills and knowledge that they will require to enter their chosen occupational field. The GradPass is a tool that will give them direct access to prospective employers in the industry. We are proud to be the national founding partner for this initiative,” he said.

Liam Dolan, owner of Claddagh Oyster House, Olde Dublin Pub and Peake’s Quay is the current chair of Restaurants Canada and was instrumental in launching the program on PEI.

“I’ve been a strong advocate for the Culinary Institute of Canada since Day One, and I’m thrilled to see us break new ground once again. This innovative partnership is a model we’ll be rolling out across Canada,” he said.

Restaurants Canada President and CEO Garth Whyte said there is strong interest in the partnership program.

“The restaurant industry employs more than 1.1 million Canadians, and there is a growing need for qualified employees. Our members are very pleased that we are reaching out to the next generation of industry leaders,” he said. “For graduates entering our industry — and for this new partnership — the sky is the limit.”

For more information about Restaurants Canada, visit www.restaurantscanada.org.

In this picture: Holland College president Dr. Brian McMillan (seated left) and Garth Whyte, Restaurants Canada President and CEO sign a new agreement between the college and Restaurants Canada while Austin Clement (standing left) and Restaurants Canada Chairperson Liam Dolan, owner of Claddagh Oyster House, Olde Dublin Pub and Peake’s Quay, look on.