A taste of what’s to come

University of the Fraser Valley recently sent a group of its Hospitality and Event Planning students on an intensive three-day field trip to the Okanagan to learn about the wine industry and get some valuable work experience at the same time.

The program dedicates a certain portion of the year to focusing on food and accommodation services, and a visit to Cove Lakeside Resort in Westbank – nestled in the heart of B.C. wine country – provided an excellent case study.

It might sound like a perfect opportunity to laze around sampling the Okanagan’s many wonderful flavours. But for these students, who are sizing up career possibilities, it was serious business: food and accommodation services account for 51 per cent of total direct tourism employment in B.C.

“The students were very keen and well-versed in what they were doing,” says Ingrid Jarrett, general manager of Cove Lakeside and a BC & Yukon Hotels’ Association board member.

The days were long: students were up at 7 a.m. and in bed by 10 p.m. The group toured four wineries; visited a number of Okanagan hotels and resorts; went on Kelowna’s historic walking tour and received a fine-dining etiquette lesson.

It wasn’t all gruelling, though. The gang indulged in a bit of wine tasting at Mission Hill Winery and had a complimentary tour of CedarCreek Estate Winery.

“The students saw first-hand how you run a top hotel,” says program director Nancy Barker. “They learned about all the important aspects, including the different amenities and customer service.”

Other Hospitality and Event Planning students have had the chance to complete required one-month practicums with organizations like WestJet, Harrison Hot Springs Resort, Canadian Cancer Society, Thunderbird Show Park, Prospera Centre and the City of Chilliwack.

Jessica Beaulieu, who did her work experience at GM Place, says the internship was a dream come true, offering her insights into the athletic event planning industry that she hopes to be a part of. She also had the opportunity to shadow organizers of events such as Stars on Ice and of concerts by Rush and The Cure.

“It was just an amazing experience,” Beaulieu says. “I worked from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. and got to watch the load-in [of the equipment] and the entire set-up of the stage.”

With many businesses struggling to find employees amid B.C.’s chronic skilled labour shortage – particularly within the hospitality industry – UFV’s emphasis on practical, hands-on work experience will no doubt put its students in the highest demand.

“I want to ensure success on both sides,” says Barker. “So students are able to say what they really want to get into – they’re not needing to start as a busboy.

“And [employers] are going to continue supporting the program because they need the workers. And when labour isn’t so hard to find, they’ll continue to look to us for students.”