More than 84,000 new BC tourism jobs are anticipated by 2015. Currently, 800 tourism courses are offered through BC high schools.
Yet – despite the current and anticipated tourism labour shortages – the tourism and hospitality courses have not significantly increased over the past four years.
For example, in 2003, 4,387 BC high school students participated in tourism and hospitality programs; in 2006, that number is 4,416 – an increase of 29 students over four years. With thousands of new tourism jobs anticipated over the next eight years, the industry must find ways of introducing students to tourism careers.
Furthermore – according to figures from the Ministry of Education – student enrolment has continued to decline year-over-year since 2000. As a result, fewer BC high school students are graduating at a time when thousands of new tourism jobs are being created, and need to be filled.
“Now, more than ever, it makes perfect sense to offer more tourism courses around the province,” explains Bob Thompson, Chair of the Secondary Educators’ Group and tourism proponent at Highland Secondary School. “Especially with the tourism industry needing thousands of trained personnel as we get closer to 2010 – and thousands of BC students seeking new career experiences and opportunities.”
Some 16 tourism programs are currently offered through schools around the province, which Thompson says are “just not enough.”
One example of an existing and successful Tourism Program is through Highland Secondary School in Comox on Vancouver Island. Coupling theoretical knowledge with practical learning experiences, the program places its students at local tourism businesses and organizations.
A few of the participating tourism businesses in this program are the Crown Isle Resort, the Kingfisher Resort & Spa and the Mt. Washington Alpine Resort.
“These students are keen and eager to learn about the different tourism career options available to them,” says Lynn Larsen, Accommodations Manager at the Crown Isle resort. “And without this program, it would be even more challenging to attract this labour pool, and help grow our industry.”
From whale watching and eco-tours to hotels, resorts, attractions and restaurants – tourism includes a myriad of tourism businesses in every corner of the province. Likewise, secondary schools – filled with young people seeking hands-on experiences and opportunities – are located everywhere these shortfalls are being experienced.
“A lot of kids aren’t sure where their future lies, and this program gives them great exposure to all the possibilities in tourism,” adds Peter Gibson, President of Mt. Washington Resort. “As an industry that’s so full of growth and opportunity, we’d like to see more tourism career programs throughout BC that offer practical hands-on experience.”
Glenn Eleiter, General Manager of the Kingfisher Resort & Spa says his organization looks forward to welcoming students as part of a work rotation program – many of whom have even stayed on in seasonal, part-time or full-time positions.
Eleiter also emphasizes the importance for high school students to access this curriculum as it provides a launching pad that greatly benefits their employers, future employers and the students, themselves.
“At the Kingfisher, we fully support and encourage the development and training of students to give them an early understanding of the industry,” he says. “This important program helps students get into the tourism working world quicker – and that’s a huge asset for the industry and employers.”
