Education
Education of newcomers to the
tour guiding scene in Toronto has been an issue for some time. One of
our local community colleges once offered an appropriate course, but it was
discontinued several years ago. Since that time, people wanting to become
guides have been at the tender mercies of the few local Tour Operators who
were able to offer in-house training.
Two years ago our Committee on
Certification and Licensing turned its attention from the issues in its name
to the more basic issue, education of tour guides. It approached several of
the local colleges to see if a course in guiding could be set up. There was interest
shown. In recent months there has been a great deal of work done and it has
now come to fruition.
We are very pleased to say that
George Brown College is now offering a Continuing Education course in Tour
Guiding which commenced in September 2002. This course will lead to a certificate in
tour guiding. Please proceed to the
course information on the George Brown College web site.
Role of CTGA of Toronto
CTGA of Toronto has fulfilled a role in the continuing education of
established guides and new members since its inception in 1991. Our
Events program constantly strives to expose our members to all the venues
and attractions in our area. Two out-of-town tours are taken annually
allowing guides to update themselves on attractions in the outlying regions
as well. This program is the cornerstone of our very existence and is
well-supported by our members.
CTGA of Toronto has made very experienced members available
as consultants to local
colleges on courses that are or may be developing. Even though results have
been achieved with the start of a new course at George Brown College, we
continue to be available to assist with further developments.
