Six Jasper women are hitting the job market with new skills and a whole new sense of confidence this week, after completing the Tourism Essentials Program at the Jasper Adult Learning Centre.
The nine-week program, offered to people who are 18 years and older and unemployed, teaches computer skills, professionalism, communication, stress management, marketing and how to successfully search and interview for a job. And it also provides an overview of the different types of travellers who come to Jasper and how to cater to their interests and needs while they’re here.
Last week’s six graduates are the second batch to complete the program this winter and, following their final assignment—a presentation to tourism operators in town—each of them had nothing but positive things to say about the experience.
“I took this because I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more and dust off some skills that I haven’t been using. But in taking the course I’ve actually learned way more about myself and I’ve definitely come out of my shell way more than normal,” said Amanda Robichaud. “It’s been amazing.”
“I think it’s been a confidence builder, not only for me, but for everybody,” said Laura Morin. “I’m a single parent and I took the course because I wanted to upgrade my skills and upgrade my confidence levels, and it’s given me the opportunity to meet women from all walks of life, learn from them and their experiences and just improve my lifelong learning skills.”
For Morin it has also inspired a desire to start her own business—something she would never have considered before.
“That’s my ultimate goal,” she said. “I’m excited at my own opportunities that have kind of presented themselves that I wouldn’t have thought of six weeks ago. There are avenues that I’m looking at now that I probably wouldn’t have considered before.”
And for Robichaud, the course has already resulted in a job. She will soon start work with the Jasper Park Riding Stables.
“This course definitely helped out with that because you need your CPR, which they gave,” she said. “I’m pretty excited.”
Following her students’ final presentations, the course instructor, Nadina Kaminer, was just as excited as they were. She said watching their growth over the nine weeks was a huge reward.
“I’ve taught for many, many, many years and I’ve had students bring me gifts as thank you and make me things and do all sorts of things and today’s showing might have trumped all of those,” she said referring to the presentations the women gave on March 13.
“I think a lot of what’s been learned is not only the possibilities and opportunities that are out in the community to work in the tourism industry, but it’s matching your own skills and potential desires, dreams, wants, needs to what’s out there and seeing that it’s possible.”
Following the program’s success, Ginette Marcoux, executive director of the learning centre, said she hopes to offer it again next winter.
Nicole Veerman
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