Practicum  Coordinator – Hospitality Programs

Job description:

Western Community College is a privately held provider of post-secondary education in British Columbia, offering a Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree program and more than 60 career training diploma and certificate programs in the fields of business, accounting, healthcare, education, hospitality, information technology, legal studies, and warehousing, using industry-based market-driven curriculums. We provide a dynamic, collaborative, and engaging learning environment to our students with a very high standard of community-driven post-secondary education

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our college does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or marital status. We are committed to be an equal- employer and to creating a diverse environment where employees are involved and respected. All qualified applicants will receive the same consideration for employment.

Job Title: Practicum  Coordinator – Hospitality Programs

Purpose

The Practicum Coordinator for Hospitality Programs is responsible for overseeing the entire practicum process for both the Diploma in Hospitality Management (DHM) and Bachelor of Hospitality Management (BHM) programs at Western Community College. This includes preparing students for their industry work experiences, managing placement activities, supporting student development, and maintaining strong relationships with industry partners. The coordinator plays a key role in aligning practicum experiences with academic goals and career readiness standards across all the Hospitality Program campuses. 

Responsibilities:

Practicum Preparation and Coordination: 

Oversee the practicum component of the DHM and BHM programs, including the preparation and placement of students in industry-based work experiences. 

Collaborate with faculty, the Director of Hospitality Programs, and industry partners to ensure practicum opportunities align with educational objectives and students’ career goals. 

Ensure students are adequately prepared for their practicums by organizing and delivering pre-placement career preparation sessions, and by providing clear guidelines and expectations. 

Deliver assigned sessions/lectures for designated cohorts, including student evaluation and grading. 

Professional Development Workshops: 

Organize and conduct workshops on essential career skills, including resume writing, interview preparation, skill assessment, and soft skills development. 

Develop and deliver training programs that address the specific needs of students in both the DHM and BHM programs, ensuring they are equipped with the skills necessary for a successful practicum experience. 

Coordinate with external trainers or industry professionals as needed to enhance workshop content and delivery. 

Practicum Placement Management: 

Identify, develop, and maintain partnerships with industry organizations to secure high-quality practicum opportunities. 

Match students to suitable placements based on their program, skills, and career interests. 

Conduct regular site visits to evaluate placement quality, workplace safety, and learning value. 

Act as the primary liaison between the institution, students, and host employers throughout the practicum period. 

Documentation and Compliance: 

Ensure all practicum-related documents (e.g., Employer Host Agreements, Industry Work Experience Packages, performance evaluations) are completed, signed, and filed. 

Maintain accurate records of placement details, hours worked, and student evaluations. 

Ensure full compliance with college policies and relevant regulatory requirements. 

Site Visits and Evaluation: 

Schedule and conduct regular site visits to monitor the quality of the placement experience and ensure compliance with program standards. 

Evaluate the effectiveness of the practicum placements based on feedback from both students and employers. 

Reporting and Evaluation: 

Prepare and submit periodic reports on practicum outcomes, student performance, and placement quality. 

Gather and analyze feedback from students and employers to improve the practicum program. 

Industry Networking and Program Enhancement: 

Continuously explore new practicum opportunities by networking within the hospitality industry. 

Stay up to date with industry trends to inform and improve program offerings and student readiness. 

Other duties: 

Perform other duties as required by the Director of Hospitality Programs or the College. 

Requirements:

To be successful in this role, candidates need to demonstrate the following competencies/skills:      

Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills. 

Strong ability to design and deliver student-focused training and workshops. 

Demonstrated understanding of the hospitality industry and student development. 

Self-motivated and proactive in managing multiple responsibilities and stakeholders. 

Required to travel between campuses, and to various industry partner sites. 

Flexibility in scheduling to accommodate student support, site visits, and workshop delivery. 

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or a related field.  

Minimum 2–3 years of experience in the Hospitality Sector

Preferred

Master's Degree in Hospitality or related field