Summer's arriving...
It's been a long time coming but with the sun coming out and exams coming to an end it's definitely starting to feel more like summer. So what does this mean in relation to chalet hosting and what's going to happen over the next few months? Let's take a look into our crystal ball and have a go at giving you the low-down....
Recruitment has started!
If you have got your finger on the pulse you may have seen that ski companies have started their recruitment drive. Sure it is a little later than in previous year's, but I think we can forgive them for that, given the challenges they faced last winter trying to navigate the fallout from Coronavirus and the impact of Brexit, which is still the big uncertainty. We have been regularly checking in with our contacts in the industry to gauge how they are looking to move forward. Here is what we have gathered...
Jobs for chalet host positions are now being advertised.
If you have an EU passport then 100% you should be getting on with your applications. However if you hold a UK passport things are still a little tricky. There continues to be lack of clarity and a lot of uncertainty about the recruitment of British workers as chalet hosts for the coming winter. As a result ski companies are taking two different approaches:
many companies are being cautious and hoping they can fill all of their chalet host positions with applicants from the EU, or people who are legally able to live and work in the EU;
a handful of other companies are anticipating that things will get sorted out over the summer to allow employment of British workers and are accepting applications from all passport holders.
What we do know is that it will be a competitive field for chalet host jobs this coming winter and so you will need to be able to show how you have the skills to do the job. Let's take a look at how you might do this.
How To Prepare
Now is the time for you to focus on what is within your control when it comes to finding a chalet host job, and this means making sure your application stands out. Luckily here at Fresh Tracks we've got a few suggestions for you...
Why not start by checking out our Fresh Tracks "Getting A Job" Course. It will take you step by step through the best way to make your application from researching which companies to apply to, to how to put together your CV, menu plan and covering letter, to what to expect at interview. Or take advantage of a 20% discount and pair this up with our Level 2 Food Hygiene Course by getting your hands on our Jobs Bundle.
Get some hospitality experience. The absolute best way to show you would be a great chalet host is to back this up with some evidence. There are loads of jobs going out there in the hospitality sector from working in your local café, to pot washing in a commercial kitchen to helping clean holiday properties. Summer always creates a massive demand for staff and this year even more so with the rise of the "Staycation". So get out there and gain some skills.
Get yourself along to the National Snow Show which is being held at the NEC in Birmingham on 23rd/24th October. A great place to make contacts within the industry "The National Snow Show is the base for the UK’s ski & snowboard community to get together in a sociable way, gear up & plan for their next trip over a few beers at our Alpine Aprés bar." Click on the image below to find out what's on.
Finally if you want to truly understand what it's like to be a chalet host and to give your application the best possible shot, it's defiantly worthwhile booking one of our residential courses. Not only will they give you a taste for the real thing, look great on your CV, you will learn useful life skills, make long-term friendships and have a total blast with us down in the beautiful Polzeath in Cornwall. But be quick spaces are filling up!!
Don't Be A Stranger
Sometimes just talking to someone helps...and we don't bite, so pick up the phone and give us a call if you have any questions (07497368663) or drop us an email (info@freshtrackschaletschool.com).
Thanks for reading.
Steve & Becky
xx