Young and New Worker Programs - Grouse Mountain

Summary

Gross Mountain Resorts focuses on a unique training program for young workers, which makes up 60% of their workforce. The program is designed to provide clear, hands-on instruction, from safety training to job-specific skills like operating chainsaws or driving vehicles. Emphasizing health and safety, the resort uses a detailed checklist and encourages employees to ask questions until they fully understand each task. The program not only meets regulatory requirements but also aims to lead the industry in safety standards, contributing to the broader ski industry in western Canada.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gross Mountain Resorts is the number one tourist destination in Vancouver, and young workers make up about 60% of the workforce.
• 😀 Young workers are considered the most important as they are the frontline employees at the resort.
• 😀 The company designed a unique training program tailored to the specific needs of young workers and the activities offered at the resort.
• 😀 New employees undergo several days of training, starting with base orientation, followed by mountaintop orientation, and customer service and safety training.
• 😀 Workers receive a health and safety handbook and must initial a checklist of 20 or more items to confirm understanding of safety procedures.
• 😀 Employees are encouraged to ask questions and not initial anything they do not understand during training, ensuring clarity before moving forward.
• 😀 Workers start with easier tasks and are typically paired with senior staff for job shadowing, learning the proper use of equipment and work processes.
• 😀 A sign-off process is used for specific tasks, such as using chainsaws or driving certain vehicles, to ensure that employees are properly trained.
• 😀 The training program is designed to meet young workers at their level, using accessible language rather than legal jargon to communicate safety protocols.
• 😀 Health and safety training is taken seriously at Gross Mountain Resorts, with the aim of being leaders in health and safety within the ski industry in western Canada.
• 😀 The company is proud of its contributions to health and safety guidelines and procedures in the broader ski industry.

Q & A

What makes Gross Mountain Resorts unique compared to other tourist destinations in Vancouver?

Gross Mountain Resorts stands out due to its focus on young workers, who make up about 60% of their workforce. They have developed a specialized training program that aligns with the activities and unique environment of the resort.

Why are young workers considered the most important employees at Gross Mountain?

Young workers are seen as crucial because they serve as the frontline staff at the resort. Their role is central to providing a high level of service to visitors, and their training is tailored to the specific needs of the resort.

What does the employee orientation process at Gross Mountain involve?

The orientation includes several days of training, beginning with a base and mountaintop orientation, followed by customer service and health and safety training. Workers also go through emergency procedures and are provided with a health and safety handbook.

How does Gross Mountain ensure employees understand the safety procedures?

Employees are given a health and safety handbook and must sign off on a checklist that covers key procedures. They are encouraged to ask questions and ensure full understanding before initialing any item on the checklist.

What is the significance of the training checklist for new employees?

The checklist serves to document that employees have been trained in specific tasks, such as operating equipment or driving vehicles. Each task is signed off by the employee, ensuring that training is properly completed.

How does Gross Mountain support the development of young workers in their roles?

New workers at Gross Mountain typically start by shadowing more experienced staff. This mentorship helps them understand proper techniques and the reasons behind certain practices, such as where equipment is stored and how to use it safely.

Why does Gross Mountain focus on tailoring the training program for young workers?

The training is specifically designed to engage young workers, focusing on practical aspects of their job rather than legal or regulatory language. The goal is to make the training relevant and accessible, ensuring young workers grasp key safety concepts.

What role does creativity play in Gross Mountain's health and safety program?

Creativity is key in adapting health and safety messages to a format that resonates with young workers. Since they may not be interested in complex legal details, the program uses straightforward language and engaging methods to communicate essential safety information.

How does Gross Mountain demonstrate leadership in health and safety?

Gross Mountain takes pride in being a leader in health and safety. The resort has contributed to health and safety guidelines for the ski industry across Western Canada, positioning itself as a model for best practices in the industry.

What is the underlying philosophy behind Gross Mountain's approach to health and safety training?

The philosophy behind the health and safety training at Gross Mountain is not merely compliance with legislation, but a commitment to being a leader in safety. The resort focuses on ensuring workers are well-prepared to handle safety challenges in a unique mountain environment.