Empowering the Future of Hospitality: Leveraging Alberta’s Post-Secondary Programs and the WIL Grant
In the vibrant landscape of Alberta’s restaurant and hospitality industry, the continuous infusion of fresh talent is crucial. As a restaurant owner, tapping into the pool of enthusiastic, trained young professionals graduating from Alberta’s various post-secondary hospitality programs can be a game-changer for your business. Furthermore, the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Grant offers a fantastic opportunity to financially support these hiring initiatives, making it an ideal time to connect with these institutions.
Exploring Alberta's Hospitality Education Programs
Alberta is home to several esteemed institutions offering robust hospitality programs designed to prepare students for a successful career in this dynamic industry. Some were recently featured in University Magazine’s list of top culinary schools in Canada.
Here’s a snapshot of what these institutions offer:
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT): Known for its comprehensive Hospitality and Tourism Management Program, SAIT equips students with practical and theoretical knowledge needed to excel in the hospitality industry.
Programs Offered: Hospitality and Tourism Management Program, Professional Cooking, Baking and Pastry Arts.
Career Services Contact: 403.210.5730 / student.employment@sait.ca
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT): NAIT offers a variety of programs including Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, focusing on both culinary skills and the business aspects of running a restaurant.
Programs Offered: Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management.
Career Services Contact: 780-471-8899 / employerservices@nait.ca
Lethbridge College: The Culinary Careers Diploma at Lethbridge College is renowned for its hands-on approach to learning, providing students with the skills to craft exceptional culinary experiences.
Programs Offered: Culinary Arts Diploma, Cook & Baker Apprenticeships
Career Services Contact: 403-320-3200 #2 / careers@lethbridgecollege.ca
Red Deer Polytechnic (formerly Red Deer College): Their Hospitality and Tourism Management Program is designed to offer students real-world skills that can be directly applied in their careers in the hospitality sector.
Programs Offered: Hospitality and Tourism Management Program
Career Services Contact: 403.342.3401 / employmentservices@rdpolytech.ca
Olds College: Specializing in Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management, Olds College caters to those looking to tap into Alberta’s thriving craft beer scene.
Programs Offered: Hospitality & Tourism Diploma, Post-Diploma Certificate, Craft Beverage and Brewery Operations Certificate, Meat Processing Certificate
Career Services Contact (Karen Correa): 403.556.8281 / kcorrea@oldscollege.ca
NorQuest College: Offers a unique Hospitality Diploma that focuses on the development of leadership skills and operational knowledge, preparing students for management roles in the industry.
Programs Offered: Food and Beverage Management
Career Services Contact (Gialdo Bonilla): 780.644.6160 / gialdo.bonilla@norquest.ca
Medicine Hat College: Provides a diverse Hospitality Management Diploma program that covers a wide range of industry-relevant topics from food service to hotel and restaurant management.
Programs Offered: Hospitality Management Diploma.
Career Services Contact (Andrea Arden): 403.529.3999 / aaarden@mhc.ab.ca
Leveraging the WIL Grant
To further support your hiring initiatives, the WIL Grant provides $5,000 in funding to employers who hire post-secondary students from eligible programs. This grant not only helps mitigate the costs associated with training new hires but also encourages businesses to provide practical work experiences to students. Details on how to apply for this grant and the specific eligibility requirements can be found here: WIL Grant Information.
Integrating knowledgeable, freshly trained hospitality students into your workforce can bring new perspectives and energy to your restaurant. By partnering with Alberta’s educational institutions and utilizing resources like the WIL Grant, restaurant owners can enhance their service offerings, contribute to the growth of the industry, and support the development of the next generation of hospitality leaders. The future is bright with the promise of these young professionals, and now is the perfect time to welcome them into your businesses.