Profile -- Mike Luchia

If the partying in school appealed more to you than the scholastics, perhaps a career in bartending is for you. Late nights, loud music, and lots of social interaction make this profession a unique career choice, and the demand for qualified bartenders is growing in Alberta. Will Reardon has over 6 years of experience as a bartender and had a great deal of information to pass along to those who may consider this a job option in the future.

Working with a client base who is largely consuming alcohol can be a tricky occupation, and the right type of person is required to be a good bartender. The social theme of the job means that a proper attitude is a must, as a bartender has to have the ability to maintain customer satisfaction, but also has to be responsible while serving beverages. "Dealing with ignorant drunks and having to cut them off," were a few complaints Will voiced about the occupation in this respect. However, "the tips. . . and the fact that people who are drinking are generally more pleasant," are some of the more appealing aspects of working as a bartender.

As for any interesting stories, Will has heard them all. "People tend to tell me all their problems whether I want to hear them or not."

According to the Alberta Occupational Profile, most bartenders don't stick around at one location for long and the industry is growing. With new positions opening up to fill vacancies and new positions being created on a regular basis, a qualified bartender probably wouldn't have much trouble finding a place to work.

"Generally you start off doing functions and parties and eventually try to get into a night club or bar where the real money is." Will comments on breaking into the industry.

As for advancement, bartenders can always look towards supervisory roles within a bar or within an establishment at large depending on where they work. Menu making, staff coordinating, and stock planning are just a few activities that can fall under ones job duties with time.

The schedule of a bartender can be a challenge to some. Bars don't operate on a nine to five schedule and neither do bartenders. There are busy times and slow times, and some bars can be open until 3:00 AM or later. Not only are the hours of a bartender irregular, but the consistency of work can be too. Some bartenders might work seventy hours a week during the Calgary Stampede only to find their hours reduced to ten hours a week in late November.

"You tend to work more evening hours due to liquor laws and the fact that drinking in the morning is generally frowned upon. There are lots of hours available, but it's not always consistent and can depend on the season and day of the week," Will comments on the schedule.

The expected wage of a bartender can vary a great deal. "Anywhere from minimum wage to $10.00 an hour plus tips," is what Will estimated. Alberta Occupational Profiles puts the salary anywhere from $9,200 to $31,000 a year, but this of course depends on how many hours one wishes to work.

Being a bartender requires a particular lifestyle, but can be rewarding for those who fit its demands well. A student may like the allure of part-time hours while a socialite may like the appeal of an abundance of social interaction.

Alberta Occupational Profiles (OCCInfo) - Bartender

Edmonton Fine Art Bartending School

Calgary Fine Art Bartending School

Executive School of Bartending

Alberta Tourism Education Council (ATEC) - Bartender Certification

Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission - Liquor Operating Guidelines

Extreme Bartending

Flair Bartending Video Clips

Bartender - Video Profile.

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