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cases, need—employees who are cer- tified, qualified, and educated. Cairns also reports a trend toward “one-off” students—those who take a course (for example, in lift main- tenance), because their employer required it or sent them to take it. “Resorts are willing to invest in their employees’ education if those workers are going to stay,” he says. Meanwhile,
graduates of many of these programs walk away with more than a certifi- cate or diploma—they’ll have com- pleted PSIA, OEC, and other technical certifications, too. • Immigration restrictions. The 13 students enrolled in last year’s Selkirk College SROAM program was the low- est ever. “We usually have a number in the twenties,” says Martin Keyser-
lingk, chair of Selkirk’s School of Hos- pitality and Tourism. He notes that changes in Canadian immigration rules have strongly affected Selkirk College, which historically included many international students across its general student population. Growth Opportunities Still, Keyserlingk is confident that recruit- ment efforts from CWSAA and other regional ski associations, combined with the comparatively low cost of college in Canada, will see the program through. “We are well-respected and well-connect- ed in western Canada,” he says. In the East, there’s potential in schol- arship opportunities like those offered by the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE), which offers schol- arships to students looking to attend out-of-state state schools for majors not available from their home state school. “We get a lot of students from Connecti- cut and Massachusetts,” says Doll. A role for alumni. Every program leader says alumni are key to recruit- ment. Plus, since they now populate every level of management at ski areas, graduates provide valuable feedback, donate time to give talks or teach a ses- sion, and donate spaces and equipment. “I see them in the field all the time,” says VSU’s Doll. “It’s quite rewarding when you listen to former students and realize they have surpassed you in their knowledge of the industry.” Knowledge Is Power With tracks focused on operations, busi- ness, and technical skills development, these programs prepare people for not just entry, but also advancement, in the ski business. Even with smaller cohorts, SAM college degree and certificate pro- grams continue to produce well-rounded graduates eager to make their mark on the industry. Beech Mountain just hired three new graduates of the Lees-McRae pro- gram into manager roles across retail, rental, and terrain parks. “We are seeing the fruits of our labor with the program,” says Freeman. “We are all so proud.” “Everyone has a role to play in the industry,” Vander Spoel muses. “I think we play a large one.”
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