It’s a tad unlike traditional classroom learning and these high school students are quickly acquiring knowledge required to exceed in the modern the workforce.
Grade 11 and 12 students from Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) have begun practicums this semester to complement their “Introduction to Management” dual credit courses in partnership with The Chiu School of Business at Bow Valley College.
A college instructor teaches the program through an online course which will be offered once per semester. The second hands-on portion of the placement are the practicums, which enable students’ first-hand exposure in the hospitality industry for three hours per week for six weeks. Students learn about real world situations and know-how while earning college credits.
Through the placements and industry partners’ mentoring staff, students gain valuable skills in emerging labour markets including in sales, marketing, restaurants and conference organization.
Thirteen students from Canmore Colligate High School and Banff Community High School are enrolled this semester, including Kathleen Thorburn, a Grade 11 BCHS student who is currently working and learning in different areas at the Banff Lodging Company.
With her eyes cast well into the future, Thorburn took the course because she thinks it will be helpful if she chooses to start a business one day.
“So far (the dual credit program is) probably going to be really helpful, I’ve learned some great things I think will help,” she said.
It’s the second wave of Bow Valley students at The Banff Lodging Company and Sarah MacDonald, human resources and communications manager, said it’s great to be able to give back and help students in the Bow Valley with the work placement to achieve their level.
“We know that some of the students’ parents work for us as well, so we just thought it was an interesting program to get students to come and work for us and we thought our company fit well with the different programs we’re teaching,” MacDonald said. “We had a lot of different topics we could talk about that fits with management, entrepreneurship and, just to meet the students. Perhaps one day they’ll come work for us after.”
MacDonald has been impressed with the professionalism of the students and hopes the program continues.
Other duel credit industry partners in the Bow Valley include The Banff Centre, Clique Hotels and Resorts, including Falcon Crest Lodge, Blackstone Mountain Lodge and Stoneridge Mountain Resort and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Lori Cote, who was the Banff Springs’ regional director of public relations at the time of this interview, said it’s “wonderful to work with and share with youth our passion for what we do.
“The opportunity to share with these young people the various roles in the hotel and the chance to share our experiences from around the globe will, hopefully, open a world of adventure,” Cote said.
Next semester, the dual credit offers “Business Law” and registration is ongoing. Students and industry partners looking to become involved can contact Dual Credit Coordinator, Elissa Sunderland, [email protected].
