Frequently Asked Questions
A tourism apprentice is an individual who is trained and mentored by a skilled tradesperson and/or Journeyperson in a workplace setting in the tourism sector. STEC currently offers two tourism apprenticeships, including Guest Services Representative and Food and Beverage Person.
There are many benefits to becoming a tourism apprentice.
- You can "earn while you learn". This means you can become certified without having to take out large loans.
- A skilled Journeyperson will train and mentor you.
- More job opportunities will be available to you. Employers are more likely to hire an individual who has completed an apprenticeship.
To become a tourism apprentice, you must acquire a job in a field that offers an apprenticeship. In Saskatchewan, this includes the occupations of Front Desk Agent and Reservation Sales Agent to apprentice as a Guest Services Representative or in the occupations of Food and Beverage Server and Bartender to apprentice as a Food and Beverage Person. If you have acquired a job in one of the above four occupations, you can apply to the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC).
Learning in the apprenticeship system involves skills training under supervision. If you pursue an apprenticeship as a Food and Beverage Person or Guest Services Representative, you'll learn a wide variety of skills that include professionalism, customer service, product knowledge, and teamwork. These are widely sought-after skills in today’s workforce. Being qualified to work in a frontline position in hotels or restaurants, and being trained to train others in these occupations, will broaden your job opportunities in Canada and the world!
As an apprentice, you'll spend approximately 80% of your time learning on-the-job skills and 20% in the classroom.
A Journeyperson is an individual who has successfully completed an apprenticeship. Each tourism apprenticeship leads to a Journeyperson certificate, which shows that you have met the National Occupational Standard as set by the tourism sector for your trade. This means you have successfully completed an occupational knowledge exam, performance evaluation, and work experience.
With Journeyperson certification, you'll have your choice of the best jobs in the top tourism companies across Canada. Some employers will hire individuals only if they have obtained certification through training. Others may provide a wage increase to certified Journeypersons. As you continue to perform and hone the skills you learned as an apprentice, you can expect many opportunities for growth throughout your career.
To complete an apprenticeship and qualify as a Journeyperson, you must write one or more exams (depending on the trade) and spend a specified amount of time in the workplace. For instance, as a Food and Beverage Server you must spend 3,600 hours in the workforce and complete three exams in addition to several other courses.
Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in Canada and the world, and the opportunities for employment are plentiful. With a recognized credential like a Journeyperson certificate, well-paying, and rewarding jobs are available in many exciting areas of our country. Many resorts and vacation destinations are eagerly looking for qualified personnel.
Find a good employer who is willing to support you in pursuing your apprenticeship. Begin work, then contact STEC or SATCC and register as an apprentice. These agencies will assist you in discovering the right path to your goal. Then, move forward toward a fast-paced, exceptionally rewarding career in the world’s fastest growing sector – tourism!
