Train and Work in Canada – Junior Sous and Entry Level Jobs
Imagine a work experience that goes beyond the kitchen and into the heart of adventure.
This program offers more than just a job; it’s a transformative opportunity for young chefs to develop their culinary skills, build confidence, and create a lifetime of memories. Living in Whistler means being part of an international community where you’ll gain cultural insights, make global friendships, and embrace independence.
Duration: Approximately 28 weeks (the whole season)
Dates: Dates are generally early November – mid May. Some jobs may require an earlier or later start.
Arrival day: Thursday
Return day: Thursday
Eligibility: Good level of fitness required as manual work is involved
Age: 18-30 to be able to apply for the work permit
Description
This work abroad program offers a seamless pathway into the hospitality industry, based on the successful model of our Whistler Hospitality project.
Participants will start with a comprehensive orientation to help you settle in and prepare for your role in a bustling resort kitchen. While no formal qualifications are required, having some prior kitchen prep experience or a strong interest in culinary work will set you up for success. Roles include positions such as kitchen assistant, dishwasher, line cook and prep chefs, providing a chance to learn the fundamentals of culinary operations in a dynamic environment. For those with more experience, positions like junior sous chef and sous chef are also available, offering an excellent opportunity to take your skills to the next level and gain leadership experience.
During the program, you’ll work in top-notch restaurants and kitchens, surrounded by the energy of one of the most famous ski destinations in the world. You’ll enjoy competitive pay and staff benefits, including discounts at local establishments and access to the slopes. Beyond the work, the lifestyle is unbeatable—think skiing, snowboarding, and bonding with an international network of friends. From initial placement to ongoing support, we ensure you have everything you need for a successful and enriching experience.
The Job
- These roles offer full-time engagement, averaging 5 workdays per week (up to 40 hours) throughout the exhilarating ski season. Flexibility is key in a tourist-centric setting, where hours fluctuate with seasons, snow conditions, and guest influx. Typically, you’ll relish your days off each week to dive into thrilling ski or snowboard adventures.
- Anticipate a minimum hourly wage of C$20 (approx £17), paid fortnightly, with potential for higher earnings up to C$25 per hour.
- Embrace Canada’s exceptionally high service standards—punctuality, proper uniform adherence, a poised appearance, and genuine warmth towards guests are indispensable.
- Previous experience? Let us know in your booking form! While not guaranteed, this could open doors to diverse departments and other training opportunities
Accommodation
- You will live in accommodation organised by your employer. This will either be within the hotel complex or in rented accommodation in the village/surrounding area
- You should expect to share a room with at least one other person and to share kitchen facilities
- Rent is deducted directly from your pay cheque at the rate of between $12-$20 per night, depending on the employer. This is usually the equivalent of an hours’ pay per night
Food
- Your accommodation is self-catered so you should ensure you can cook a few easy dishes before you arrive in Canada
- Depending on the employer, you may get a free or discounted meal on your shifts
- Whistler is a foodies paradise offering cuisine options from around the world
What is the selection process?
December onwards– Complete your online booking form and pay the booking deposit. This secures your place amongst other hopeful candidates. This does not guarantee your place on the programme yet, but rather the deposit secures you in our pool of candidates that will be sent to the team at Whistler for final interviews.
A member of the team will organise a call with you to get to know you, your motivations and to go over any work or volunteer experience. It is essential that all applicants have some work experience before they arrive in Canada. We will give you an overview of the program and the process and give you some tips and tricks to help your application (if needed).
January– Apply for your working holiday visa for Canada through IEC — (opens every year Jan- October). You should be between 18-30 years to be eligible.
April / May – We will host a resume and interview workshop to ensure your resume is the best it can be before it is sent to the team for interview selection. This programme is highly competitive so we ensure every applicant is well prepped and prepared. 121 sessions are also held for those that prefer private coaching.
July / August – Interviews with Whistler Blackcomb are held in July/August via Zoom / Skype and last 30-45 minutes.
September – If successful you receive an official email inviting you to join the hospitality team. Those unsuccessful will be offered alternative options for the winter or their gap years either in Whistler, or other bespoke project ideas.
October – Our unique pre- departure briefing is held via video conferencing which covers topics such as kit lists, insurance, flight details, arrivals and departures, and much much more. You also get to have a private Q&A with your future team lead, and fellow team mates!
Our Oysters are more informed and knowledgeable before they arrive, than many that join from other companies. Previous Oyster Worldwide participants have won various awards and many stay on and progress into other roles. return for the following seasons, or join our Rep program to help the next year´s participants.
November – Departure. You are introduced to the team of reps that will look after you during the season, and the first few days are spend in orientation, checking into your housing, and ensuring you are set up for success before you start your training!
Why should I do this?
Picture this: earning competitive wages while working in a world-class resort and experiencing the thrill of a ski season. Whistler isn’t just a destination—it’s a lifestyle. This program is your chance to develop real-world culinary skills, earn while you learn, and be part of an international community of adventurers. Whether you’re prepping meals in a high-energy kitchen or carving through fresh powder on your days off, every moment is an opportunity to grow, learn, and create unforgettable memories. Whistler is calling—answer it!
Travel arrangements
Airport: Vancouver (YVR)
Arrival day: Usually a Thursday – this will be confirmed before you book your flights
Transfer details: Assuming you arrive with the rest of the group, we will transfer you to a hostel in Vancouver for the first night. The next morning, Tory shows you where you can register for your Social Insurance Number before you hop on the coach and head up the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) to Whistler. The journey takes about two and a half hours. On arrival, we’ll get you checked in and give you time to settle into your accommodation before beginning our thorough orientation.
Departure day: Usually a Thursday. If you are flying home on our end date, the airport transfer is included. If you are returning on a different date you will need to organise your own transport
As an ATOL bonded company we can book flights for you from the UK or elsewhere. If you are flying with the group from London, we will see you off at Heathrow on departure day. On arrival, our rep Tory will pick you up at Vancouver Airport and transport you into the city.
If you want to arrange your own flights to Vancouver, that’s fine too. If you arrive at the same time as the rest of the group, the airport transfer will be included, otherwise you will just need to make your own way to the hostel for the first night.
Supporting You
Dual-national Tory (she is British and Canadian) took her gap year in Tremblant, went back to the UK to complete her degree and returned to Whistler to become a ski instructor. She is married to Mike, one of Whistler’s most respected ski instructors, and they have two young children. Tory’s full time job is as the Senior Manager at Whistler.com. She has been our representative since we began and knows what she’s talking about, having done it herself!
On arrival, Tory will arrange a short orientation course and be in close contact with you over the first couple of days. As time goes on, Tory will take more a back seat and be there as a helpful friend should you need any help or advice. Once a month Tory hosts a meet up with the Oyster group where we provide a few drinks and snacks which provides the chance to chat through any issues you might have. Tory is a local expert on where to go and what to see in the area.
Our representatives are there to be a helpful friend to you and steer you through difficulties of any kind. Tory will keep us updated on your health and welfare throughout.
Read more about Tory in our ‘meet the reps‘ blog.
Included
- Access to your own personal ‘My Oyster’ account – our online portal where you can find out much more about the program and manage your booking
- Dedicated contact time with an experienced destination manager to discuss the project, answer any of your questions and for us to find out more about you
- Help and advice from our UK office before arrival and whilst you are away
- In-country support
- Pre-departure information covering medical, safety and project advice
- Gold level, 24/7 Pharos crisis management and incident support cover
- Financial protection: ATOL (if we book your flights); IPP (if we don’t book your flights)
- Thorough orientation on arrival
- Accommodation (see the ‘accommodation’ section above for details)
- Advice on visa requirements
- Oyster plants a tree in Africa with TreeAid to help reduce the impact of global carbon emissions
Not Included
- Flights – as an ATOL bonded company, Oyster can book flights for you
- You need a valid passport that meets the requirements of the country you will be travelling to
- Insurance (covering your time with Oyster and any planned independent travel)
- Any costs associated with changing your return flight date if you need to
- Independent travel costs
- Home country travel costs
- Spending money for additional trips, food and entertainment
Got a question or want to chat to Project Manager Sami who has first-hand experience of the project? Call +44 (0) 1892 770 771or email: – [email protected].
