Propel – Post-Secondary Institutions

Propel offers post-secondary students the opportunity to gain the skills sought by employers through hands-on, paid work-integrated learning opportunities in tourism and hospitality.

Students can further their education in real-world settings, putting their knowledge into practice, developing key employability skills, networking with those working in their field of study, and exploring the multitude of career pathways available in tourism and hospitality.

Propel creates a direct link between students looking to enhance their workplace skills and employers who can provide valuable firsthand experience.

Who Is Eligible?

To participate in the Propel Student Work Placement Program, a student must be:
Registered at a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution in a program that includes a work placement
A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations

Do Students Need to Be in a Tourism or Hospitality Program?

No, as long as students meet the eligibility criteria, they can be in any program. Tourism and hospitality encompass a wide range of businesses that offer the ability to apply studies in:
Business administration

Business Administration

Human resources

Human Resources

Statistics

Statistics

Environment sustainability

Environment, Sustainability

Two heritage performers playing the violin outside of a cabin.

Arts, Drama, Music

Marketing communications media

Marketing, Communication, Media

Where Are the Placements?

Opportunities are available right across Canada, from large urban centres to remote visitor destinations. A wide range of placements are offered by employers representing all facets of the visitor economy.

recreation and entertainment

food and beverage services

travel services

transportation

accommodations

This includes positions related to:

events​

concerts​

meetings and conventions​

museums

galleries​

cultural and heritage sites​

destination marketing​

research​

sustainability​

and more​

What Skills Can Students Gain?

Two female café workers behind the counter. The lady on the right is showing the lady on the left how to operate the tablet. They are both wearing t-shirts and aprons.
In addition to occupation-specific competencies, work-integrated learning in tourism and hospitality offers the chance to develop key employability skills, such as:
A: Yes, all Propel Student Work Placement Program participants are paid for their placements.
A: Tourism employers across the country are looking to fill thousands of vacancies, meaning graduates will have ample opportunities to build a bright career in a global industry.

How Can I Learn More?

Watch this video for more details, or scroll down to access a presentation on the Propel program.

Tourism HR Canada is hosting a series of virtual info sessions on the Propel Student Work Placement Program, including an overview of the eligibility criteria and application process. A Q&A session with attendees follows the presentation.

A PDF of the presentation deck is available for download here.

Video

Watch a recording of a recent info session here.

Download a Propel poster to share with students.

Employer Poster

Download a Propel poster to share with employers.

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