Industry Profile -- by Erin Ryan-Walsh

All year while we are working, we dream and plan and long for the few short days when we pack up our things and go on a holiday. For many of us, staying in hotels or motels and eating in restaurants is part of the holiday ritual. For others, the dream is about finishing the school year and taking a working holiday at a resort in the Rockies. Whether you rely on the accommodation industry for your livelihood, or to make your holiday special, this issue of nextSteps will enable you to better understand what the accommodation side of the hospitality industry is all about.

The exciting thing about the industry is the wide range of positions available, as well as the room for advancement and mobility within or outside of your position. For instance, if you were working in the hotel pool, it is possible to also work as a banquet server, or to eventually become a supervisor or even a manager. While the combination of experience and education varies from position to position, there are several skills and attributes essential for success in the accommodation industry. All accommodation-related positions require excellent communication skills and a proven ability to interact effectively and courteously with the public. Serving the public and providing the utmost in customer service is the mandate of the industry. Without the public, the accommodation industry would likely cease to exist.

Because the industry is reliant on the public, growth, and the availability of positions, is dependent on the economy and the season. Therefore, like in other industries, there are high and low times throughout the year and these are directly correlated to the availability of positions. Many hospitality positions are seasonal, which means that over Christmas, and especially during the summer, there are numerous limited term positions available. While seasonal positions do exist in the city, the majority of such positions are available in resort areas such as Banff and Jasper.

The accommodation industry is full of employment opportunities. The following are examples of some positions:

• Accommodation Manager
  Accommodation managers direct and control the operations of privately and publicly owned hotels, motels, campgrounds, trailer parks, camps, hostels and post-secondary institution residences. There are several hospitality education programs, but graduates of these positions usually start in junior positions and it can take 10 years or more to become a general manager.
• Hotel and Motel Desk Clerk
  Desk clerks, sometimes called front desk clerks or agents, are employed in hotels or motels and are the first people to greet incoming guests. While all employers prefer to hire people with post-secondary education experience is also beneficial.
• Room/Housekeeping Attendant
  Housekeeping staff is responsible for the general cleanliness of hotels, motels, clubs, and dormitory rooms. Although there are no educational requirements for this position, the Alberta Tourism Education Council (ATEC) has created a process for housekeeping attendants to earn a certificate that is recognized throughout Canada by the tourism and hospitality industry.
• Guest Services Attendant
  Also known as bellhops, buspersons or door persons, these people are often the first and last people you see when you stay at a hotel. They are responsible for greeting and escorting guests to their rooms, showing them the various services throughout the hotel and essentially responding to customer needs and questions. There is not a bellhop school you can attend but hotels do prefer to hire people with a high school education and previous experience.
• Banquet Manager
  These people organize, direct and supervise the preparations and service of food and beverage for banquets within a hotel. Experience is key to this position, but education in food service and/or hotel management is beneficial.

A number of positions vital, but not specific to, the accommodation industry include:

• Special Events Coordinator
  The Special Events Coordinator is responsible for organizing and implementing plans for various events. Special Events Coordinators work in hotels as well as a variety of locations such as tourism associations, trade and professional organizations, festival and event associations etc. While experience is helpful it is important to have some post-secondary education in this area.
• Chef
  Although this position is not exclusive to the hospitality industry it is still very important. Chefs are responsible for food preparation, creative food displays, as well as supervising other kitchen workers. There are many different kinds of chefs. Almost all chefs have some technical qualification obtained through apprenticeship training and/or related post-secondary training.
• Kitchen Helper
  Kitchen helpers assist in all kitchen duties, such as in food preparation. Kitchen helpers do not require any special education but experience is always an asset.
• Food Service Helper
  Also known as busboys/girls or bus help, these people are responsible for clearing tables, general clean-up in the restaurant area and any other miscellaneous duties. Food service helpers are found in hotel restaurants and any and all other restaurants. There are no educational requirements for this position, but experience is a definite asset.
• Food and Beverage Service Supervisor (Formal Dining Rooms)
  Also known as captains, hosts, hostesses or maitres d'hotel they are responsible for coordinating and supervising food and beverage service in restaurants and formal dining rooms. Although some post secondary education would be beneficial, experience is the most important requirement.
• Food and Beverage Server
  Also known as waiters and waitresses, these people are responsible for taking orders and serving customers. There are no special educational requirements for this position, although experience is a definite asset.
• Bartender
  Bartenders mix and serve alcoholic beverages for customers at the bar as well as preparing drinks for servers to take to customers at their tables. While experience is an asset, there are bartending courses available. It is also important to be aware of liquor-related regulations and laws.