ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL HOSPITALITY CHALLENGE
Workforce > Annual High School Hospitality Challenge

Great Canadian High School Hospitality Challenge

Connecting students to tourism careers through hands-on learning and industry collaboration in BruceGreySimcoe.

The Great Canadian High School Hospitality Challenge is a tourism workforce development initiative connecting students to careers in tourism and hospitality in BruceGreySimcoe. This hands-on learning program introduces high school students to real-world tourism and hospitality careers while building practical skills and industry connections.

Led by Michael Agema, Founder and CEO at AGEMA.Work, and supported by RTO7, the program brings together students, educators, and industry to strengthen the future workforce across the region.

About the Initiative

Now in its fourth year in Bruce-Grey and fifth year in Simcoe County, the Challenge engages high school students enrolled in hospitality and tourism programs through interactive, curriculum-aligned events. In 2025, more than 230 students from 11 schools participated in two regional competitions, gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced, real-world setting.

Students take part in team-based challenges that build practical skills in areas like customer service, branding, food and beverage, and problem-solving. Activities such as mocktail creation, culinary competitions, and hospitality-themed games reflect real industry scenarios while keeping the experience engaging and fun.

The program is designed for high school students exploring careers, as well as educators and tourism businesses supporting tourism workforce development.

Building the Future Tourism Workforce

This initiative plays a direct role in strengthening the tourism workforce pipeline in BruceGreySimcoe. With more than 3,000 students currently enrolled in hospitality and culinary programs across the region, there is a strong foundation of emerging talent.

The Challenge helps bridge the gap between education and employment by:
  • Building confidence and transferable skills
  • Increasing awareness of tourism careers and jobs across the region
  • Creating early connections between students and industry
By introducing students to the range of opportunities available, the program supports long-term workforce development and positions tourism as a viable and rewarding career path.

Industry and Education Collaboration

The success of the Great Canadian High School Hospitality Challenge is rooted in collaboration. The program brings together school boards, tourism operators, high-school teachers, and post-secondary institutions to create a shared experience for students.

Industry participants and hosts have included organizations such as Georgian College, Seneca Polytechnic, Blue Mountain Resort, Horseshoe Valley Resort, Friday Harbour, and Fern Resort. Their involvement ensures students are exposed to current industry practices and career pathways.
 

Get Involved

RTO7 continues to support the growth of this initiative and welcomes interest from schools, tourism businesses, and organizations looking to get involved.

To learn more about participating in future events or supporting tourism workforce development in BruceGreySimcoe, contact:

Kim Clarke
Interim Executive Director
Regional Tourism Organization 7
kclarke@rto7.ca