Frequently asked questions…. And answers

Q. I can arrange to work abroad by myself, so why do I need to attend this program?
A. You can make all the arrangements yourself and some students do. However this program has been developed and designed by industry professionals to take account of the stress, anxiety and issues you may encounter in working in another country. Do not underestimate the effects of culture shock, unfamiliar surroundings and being alone in a foreign country. This program will cover all aspects of working abroad and GTRS has secured placements in Hospitality operations that have been checked as safe and committed to providing a learning experience, not just a job.

Q. Where can I attend the program?
A. You have several options. Your training institute may have enough interested students for Training Recruitment Solutions (GTRS) to deliver the program on site at a time that fits with your current curriculum. As an individual you can join one of the pre existing programs run 3 times annum at the Canadian Tourism College or you may join a program run at another training institution run by GTRS.

Q. I cannot afford the total cost of this program?
A. There is a solution. You can pay the initial deposit amount and the remaining payment will be collected through payroll during the first 2 to 3 months of your employment in the UK. The Celtic Manor resort in Newport, South Wales, UK, a five-diamond resort, is currently the only property that has agreed to work with us in this way.

Q. At what point in my current program should I attend the IWAP program?
A. At any point. Greater personal benefit will be gained by attending nearer the completion of your current program as you will have gained more knowledge to assist you. However you should attend this program at a time that fits well with current curriculum responsibilities. For instance this may be during the break between year one and two of your program or at any time you feel fits well with your studies.

Q. How will I enter the UK after this program?
A. You will apply for a Visa. A working holidaymaker visa is the usual route, which will give you up to 2 years to work and travel in the U.K. This Visa is for 17- 30 year old students only. Otherwise a work permit is required and these are more difficult but not impossible to obtain. You cannot apply for a work permit, as this has to be done by an employer in the U.K on your behalf. Work permits enable UK employers to recruit personnel from outside the EEA, (European Economic Area) while safeguarding the interests of resident labour in the U.K.
GTRS will look at all possible methods of securing entry for you to work in the U.K and whilst we are committed to securing a placement for you, entry into the U.K cannot always be guaranteed due to U.K Home Office regulations.

Q. I have European ancestors will this assist me?
A. Yes it will. A commonwealth citizen who has a Grandparent born in the U.K may apply for a U.K ancestry entry certificate, which will allow the applicant to live and work in the U.K for up to 4 years. (This also applies to Grandparents born in EU countries and the right to enter the U.K through that ancestry).

Q. I think I may be eligible for a British passport?
A. You will need to either have been born in the U.K or have decent from a parent born, registered or naturalized in the U.K.

Q. I have relatives in a certain city in the U.K; will it be possible to obtain a placement nearby?
A. GTRS will endeavor to place you nearby but cannot guarantee this.

Q. Can I choose the Hotel or city I work in?
A. Wherever possible GTRS will attempt to accommodate your wish list of chosen Hotel or city in the U.K However this will depend upon vacancies at the property, properties taking placements in certain cities in the U.K and how well you would fit into that particular property.

Q. Will I be placed in one position in a Hotel and stay there?
A. No. All the properties we have contracted with have committed to providing a learning experience. This means that you will receive an induction (orientation) to the property and then be placed in several departments within the Hotel, gaining all round experience.

Q. Will I be able to apply for promotion?
A. If you show the right attitude and aptitude for the type of work then your efforts will more than likely be rewarded and you may be offered promotion. This is not guaranteed; it depends on individual properties and you.

Q. How many hours will I be expected to work?
A. A standard contract in the U.K is usually for 39 or 40 hours per week, however this is the hospitality business and you may be expected to work for more hours than this, often on a shift system.

Q. What might I expect to earn?
A. This will vary from property to property, however as a rough guideline entry-level positions may expect to earn 10,000.00 pounds sterling per annum.

Q. Will I get overtime payment for hours above standard?
A. Yes. The rate of overtime will vary from property to property, some offer overtime at standard hourly rate, some at time and a half.

Q. Who should I see if I have problems with my employer in the UK?
A. Remember that you will be an employee of the property; this is not a practicum situation. Any problems you encounter should be discussed with your immediate Manager or Supervisor or failing that the Human Resources department of the Hotel. If this does not resolve your problem then Global Tourism Recruitment Solutions will always be available to assist you.

Q. Will I be entitled to any holiday?
A. Yes. The working time directive in the U.K stipulates a minimum requirement to 4 weeks annual leave during any annual leave year. Annual leave years run either January to December or April to March.

Q. Where will I live whilst working at the Hotel and what will the cost be?
A. Many Hotels provide on site staff accommodations and a deduction is made from your pay each month for food and lodgings. An approximate amount would be 100 Pounds sterling per month. Some properties, especially those in London, do not have on site staff accommodation due to space premium. In this instance GTRS will liaise with the property to find you reasonably priced, safe accommodation near to the property, perhaps sharing the accommodation with other hotel staff. In no circumstances will you be expected to share a room unless you specifically request to do so (perhaps traveling with a friend).

Q. What facilities will staff accommodation have?
A. Your own room. Shared bathroom and kitchen/living room facilities. Staff accommodations are safe but are usually basic. They are usually within the main Hotel building or in a separate annexe to the Hotel.

Q. Does GTRS arrange my airline travel?
A. No you are responsible for arranging and paying for your own airline travel and arrangements to enable you to be at the property for the start of your employment. However GTRS will recommend options to you and give assistance and advice where required.

Q. How will I get from the airport to the property?
A. This will depend on the location of the property. There are several excellent airports in the U.K those flights from Canada fly into including Gatwick & Heathrow (both in London), Stansted, Cardiff, Bristol and Manchester to name a few. The U.K has an excellent network of railways that will connect from the airport to cities all across the U.K. Additionally there is an excellent bus network, National Express from many airports to other cities. GTRS will assist you in securing directions and connections to the Hotel where you will be working. In some instances a ‘meet and greet’ service can be arranged for an additional fee.