Propel – Students

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.

Further your education in real-world settings. Put your knowledge into practice, develop key employability skills, network with those working in your field of study, and explore the multitude of career pathways available in tourism and hospitality.

Placements are posted by employers on the Propel online portal, hosted by Outcome Campus Connect.

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

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Who Is Eligible?

To participate in the Propel Student Work Placement Program, a student must meet all of the following criteria:
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; and
Legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
  • The post-secondary program can be full time or part time.
  • Students enrolled in a post-graduate program are eligible.
  • At this time, international students do not qualify for any ESDC-funded Student Work Placement Programs, including Propel.

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

No, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you 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​

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.

What Skills Can I Gain?

In addition to occupation-specific competencies, work-integrated learning in tourism and hospitality offers the chance to develop key employability skills, such as:
  • Teamwork
  • Communications
  • Adaptability
  • Time management
  • Problem solving
  • Organization
  • Customer service
Register for the next info session
Yes, all Propel Student Work Placement Program participants are paid for their placements.
Tourism is one of the world’s fastest-growing industries, and there has been an explosion of work opportunities in the sector. 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?

Tourism HR Canada routinely hosts 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 each presentation.

Hear from students about their experiences with the Propel program.

Register for the next info session

Presentation​

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

Download Here

Video

Watch a recording of a recent info session here.

Watch Now

Learn More

If you would like additional information about Propel, the Student Work Placement Program, or work-integrated learning, please email propel@TourismHR.ca.

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