Canadian Working Holiday

Participants are offered a job before leaving their home country. They will know before arriving in Canada where they will work, when they will work, how much they will earn, and what they will do. We bring the employers to you! Participants have a face-to-face interview with a Canadian employer at a hiring fair in their own country or they have their interview by telephone before leaving their home country. We assign you to an employer based on your dates, skills, training and personality. If successful in your interview, you will be offered a job prior to leaving your country. You won’t waste time and money trying to find a job along with everyone else- you already will have one!

What’s included in the programme;

• Transfer voucher for bus transfer from Vancouver Airport to city centre;
• Two nights dorm style accommodation at a downtown youth hostel with continental breakfast included.
• Orientation session Vancouver, covering resources available and everything you need to know about working and living in Canada
• Walking Tour of Downtown Vancouver
• Processing of your personal Social Insurance Number
• Advice and assistance to help you find a job and to introduce you to employment opportunities
• One Job Offer
• 12 months travel insurance
• Exclusive access to job and accommodation listings for the full year of the visa;
• CV Writing Workshop
• Assistance in opening a bank account.
• Internet (one hour per day free access), printing and fax access (at special rates)
• Mail holding service, so you have a contact address as soon as you arrive;
• Free call number for general questions or emergencies during office hours;
• One year’s membership in the International Club, which gives members access to discounts on services, tours and attractions and provides access to assistance from the Programme Coordinator any time in the year, during normal business hours;
• Social activities ranging from pub nights to ski trips in Vancouver;
• Brochures and maps to familiarize participants with Canada and the local scene; and
• The International handbook called The Essential Guide to Working and Living in Canada.

Flights and visa costs are not included in the programme

Location

The programme orientation for the Full-Service programme is given in the International offices in Vancouver twice a month (on Fridays). Check the price sheet for the coming year’s orientation dates. Participants may have been assigned to jobs outside Vancouver and therefore will be given advice and assistance in booking their travel from Vancouver to their place of work. Participants are responsible for the cost of their transportation to their place of work.

Accommodation & Food

Accommodation on arrival is provided to participants at a backpackers hostel located in the centre of Vancouver, only 5 minutes walking distance from the International office. Participants seeking work outside Vancouver can get accommodation ideas and booking assistance for the place they are going from the International Programme Coordinator. Participants can book extra nights at the Vancouver hostel in advance or on the spot (subject to availability) at preferred rates.

Dates & Duration

The two main job seasons are summer (June/July to late September/October) and winter (December to April/May). Therefore you can apply any time of the year but you must apply to start a job at either the beginning of the summer season (late May to early July) or at the beginning of the winter season (late November to end of December). Employers are looking for a commitment of at least 16 weeks but most positions require a commitment of 16 to 24 weeks so you should be prepared to accept a position for any duration between 4 and 6 months.

Flights & Transportation

• International flights are not included.
• Please arrange your flight to arrive at Vancouver International Airport

Eligibility & skills

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of and resident in the United Kingdom
• Be aged between 18 and 30 (inclusive)
• Be full-time students at a UK university. Applicants must provide an unconditional letter of acceptance, a letter confirming their return to studies or proof that they have completed their studies within the previous 12 months. Students completing A levels, HND or BTEC courses are not eligible to participate unless they have been unconditionally accepted to continue studies in a university programme. This means the document must allow you entrance into University
• Have sufficient funds for their maintenance during their initial period of stay in Canada
• Have not participated in a working holiday programme to Canada before
• Have a clean criminal record. You will be required to submit a police certificate for every country you have resided in for more than 6 months since turning 18 years of age. 
• Have a good command of the English language, sense of commitment and practical work experience.
• Be able to pay the Visa fee of £70

Contributions

£750 for the 12 month period