ERH Co-op Program

The “English for Resort Hospitality (ERH)” course at Advantage E/J is an extensive 12 month Co-op ‘Work & Learn’ Program that enables students to develop and fine-tune their English skills while being provided by a work experience that is specialized in a resort hospitality setting. Students will be working here, in Whistler B.C. Canada which boasts many number 1 rankings in various Ski & Snowboard magazines stating the resort to be ‘The Best Resort in the World’. In 2010 Whistler will be welcoming the Olympic Winter Games which will further make for an exhilarating experience for students working here in our resort. The ERH program is a composition of many specialized courses designed to aid students in their various work situations at Whistler resort, helping students find career opportunities and invaluable experience beyond their Whistler work placement is our ultimate goal.

Courses

Retail and Hospitality

This job involves working in a shop in Whistler Village. There is a wide range of shops available, depending whether you prefer something quiet or busy. (For example: a souvenir shop). NO experience is required, and full training will be given. You MUST however have a passion for interacting with customers, communicating and meeting new people from all over the world. Students develop and improve their English skills and enrich their experience in Canada through co-op work opportunities.

Food and Service

This job would be at one of Whistler’s many restaurants, café’s or bars. NO experience is required and full training will be given. You MUST however be familiar with good customer service, and an enthusiasm to interact and greet customers from all over the world. Students develop and improve their English skills and enrich their experience in Canada through co-op work opportunities. You will ALSO be able to complete a Food & Safety Certificate through this course. (Not included in price).

Ski, Snowboard Pro Shop

You will providing customers with Rental equipment, tuning equipment, maintaining inventory, servicing customer’s needs in a retail environment. but you MUST have knowledge of skiing/snowboarding and a passion to learn more and meet people from all over the world. Students develop and improve their English skills and enrich their experience in Canada through co-op work opportunities.

Hotel, B&B

Housekeeping, cooking, telephone reservation, laundry, NO experience is required, and full training will be given. Students develop and improve their English skills and enrich their experience in Canada through co-op work opportunities

Potential Career Options upon completion

Our educational experience will give students the opportunity to provide global hospitality, tourism, ski and snowboard industry.

  • This is visa permitting ONLY. A student visa is only eligible for 12 months in Canada.

Curriculum

Retail, Food & Service, Professional Ski and Snowboard Shop, Hotel and B&B, etc. other courses are available.

  • Resume assistance
  • Interview arrangement
  • Practice in writing a cover letter
  • Assistance with applying for social insurance number SIN Number
  • Assistance with job search and application process
  • Human Relations/Customer Service, Communication skills (correspondence and telephone)
  • Training and workshops (example: Volunteering at local events and seminars, Pro-ski and snowboard shop tune-ups, Restaurant, Hotel, B&B, Café and Retail Shop)
  • Food Safety completion book and “Serving it Right” certificate (for serving alcohol)
  • The costs of TOEIC examinations are included in the program (2 exam fees for 12 months program students.) *Any additional TOEIC exams will be optional and at the cost of the student.
  • Student performance
  • Each student will be required to complete a written report the end of the program. Teachers will assist with this.

Outline

  • Introduction of Program
  • Learning about Whistler
  • Career Planning
  • Cover Letter and Resume Writing
  • Interview Skills
  • Conducting an effective Job search
  • Getting ready for the workforce
  • Handling difficult situations in the workplace
  • Preparing for evaluations
  • Final Reports and Presentations
  • Co-op (Working)

Admission requirements and policies

  • High School Graduate
  • Conversational English skill (Part Time ESL may be required, if student does not speak sufficient English)
  • Placement test will be held at school.
  • Attendance above 90%
  • Attendance at full-time English classes (4 hours/day)
  • Absence from school due to work schedule will not be tolerated.
  • Can only work at businesses in partnership with Advantage E/J program
  • During the course, until you graduate, an interruption in attendance is prohibited. Failure to complete the course work will result in non-completion of the program and no refund. The only exception would be a serious and lengthy illness and would require proof in the form of a doctor’s letter from a BC physician to apply for a refund.

Work Experience Policy

  • Advantage E/J provides work experience placements for students who have completed the on-site portion of a program of study.
  • Advantage E/J ensures that work experience placements provide an opportunity for its students to enhance the skills learned throughout completion of a program of study.
  • Advantage E/J seeks work experience placements for its students with employers who are committed to introducing students to work in the field of study.
  • Advantage E/J works with work experience placement hosts to evaluate the student’s performance during a work experience placement.

Schedule sample of program

Schedule English class and practice (work) total time ratio around 60% education and 40% work. 12 month courses include Christmas Holidays and Summer Holidays.