Tourism HR Canada, an organization aimed at building the country’s tourism industry, has launched Propel, a new federally-funded student work placement program offering paid work-integrated learning opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector.
How it Works
Propel is funded by the Government of Canada through the Student Work Placement Program. It will offer registered Canadian businesses, startups and not-for-profits related to the tourism and hospitality sector a wage subsidy of up to 75% of a qualifying student’s wages, to a maximum of CAD $7,500.
Tourism HR Canada notes that students enrolled at a “recognized post-secondary institution” can apply for a paid position to fulfil a co-op or internship component of their program. The position being covered must be a work-integrated learning opportunity for a post-secondary student but can be accessed by businesses that cover all facets of the tourism economy including: accommodations, food and beverage services, culinary, recreation, entertainment, culture, events, transportation, travel services, and more.
Combatting Labour Shortage
The organization highlights that Canadian tourism employment in AUG 2021 had around 285,000 fewer workers than it did in the same month in 2019, according to a Stats Canada's Labour Force Survey. Tourism HR Canada also says that there are more than 130,000 un-filled accommodations and food services jobs across the country.
The goal of the program is to rebuild the sector workforce lost during the pandemic.
“The number one challenge we’re seeing as we come out of the pandemic is a significantly decreased workforce,” stated Philip Mondor, president and CEO of Tourism HR Canada. “Propel is part of a long-term strategy to build back the tourism workforce. The program creates a direct link between students who have missed out on opportunities to get a foothold in the labour market and employers who, despite their best efforts, were not able to retain staff.”
Early adopters of Propel include tourism businesses and schools including Accor, George Brown College, Ryerson University and Vancouver Community College.
“It’s been a devastating 18 months for hospitality, but the teamwork and spirit of entrepreneurship that has seen us through is truly inspiring. We are delighted to be part of an initiative that is helping our industry to win and build back stronger and better than before,” said Accor CEO North & Central America, Heather McCrory.
“I started my career over 30 years ago in the laundry room at Accor’s Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and advanced through the business to now lead over 22,000 employees in more than 100 hotels across North and Central America. This program will help to find those passionate individuals who want to be part of an exciting future.”
Future Travel Industry Support?
The news of this program comes after the recent federal election, where tourism players across Canada like the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) campaigned for further government support, first from candidates, then the newly elected government. and the to promote tourism advocacy.
The travel agency community is still waiting on help for its sector. Before and during the election, ACTA was advocating government officials and election candidates for increased support for agencies and IC’s.However, a similar program for the agency community and advisors hasn’t yet materialized.
For more information on the Propel program, visit PropelCareers.ca.
