Capilano University students support tourism recovery through industry-based work integrated learning
Students offer added labour force to challenged tourism industry
Over 100 students from the Capilano University (CapU) schools of Tourism Management and Outdoor Recreation Management are in a position to support local tourism sector businesses recover, thrive and grow in the midst of the pandemic through work integrated learning (WIL) opportunities. Student practicum placements in spring 2022 can help tourism businesses mitigate the severe labour shortage exacerbated by the pandemic for numerous local tourism companies.
For students, work integrated learning experiences offer an avenue to earn academic credits in their program while gaining career-building work experience. Second year students are required to complete practicums and co-op courses in the tourism sector.
“Our students will come to the workplace having learned industry specific management competencies,” says Tania Loken, practicum instructor for the Diploma of Tourism Management International program at Capilano University. “Practicum placements allow students to hone their customer service skills, and share their skills and knowledge to support tourism businesses.”
Info session: Tourism business owners are invited to attend a virtual information session at 12:30 p.m., January 18, 2022 on hosting practicum students. Hosted by go2hr, the Tourism HR Society for tourism and hospitality employers, and CapU’s Work Integrated Learning team for the schools of Tourism Management and Outdoor Recreation, the session will provide information for business owners interested in support from a student to help sustain and grow their business.
Four programs in CapU’s schools of Tourism Management and Outdoor Recreation are seeking additional partnerships with local tourism companies for work integrated learning placements for students from May to September 2022. Placements can be paid or unpaid depending on the responsibilities of the placement, and full-time or part-time depending on the program.
“WIL students in their graduating year are often able and motivated to become full time employees following the practicum. As ready-trained team members, practicum graduates offer employers the real benefit of being trained, dependable employees,” said Loken.
More information: Tourism business owners and managers, and tourism management students can contact CapU's Tourism Management WIL team for details on how to get involved: tourismwil@capilanou.ca
Submitted by: Communications