ESF to say Bonjour to British ski instructors
We saw this interesting news snippet on Natives.co.uk this week and thought it would be of interest to many of you who either already have instructor qualifications or who are in the process of getting them.
France has traditionally been very difficult for British instructors to find work, especially with the local French ski schools who have a rigorous equivalence process that all instructors must pass, including the infamous speed test. Looks like that might be all about to change......
Say au revoir to “Bend ze knees” and “Allez” – the ESF (Ecole de Ski Francais) has announced it plans to recruit 250 fully qualified English speaking snowsports instructors for winter 2009/10, and has the full support of BASI (British Association of Snowsports Instructors) to do so.
The move is in response to increasing demands from British clients for native English speakers, and addresses the problems of 20 years ago for British instructors working in French resorts. Arrests, smashed office windows and shunned from resort were common occurrences for British instructors working in France. The situation somewhat improved 10 years ago when international schools were legally allowed to operate, but French instructors have remained fearful that their jobs were under threat.
With this new initiative, the ESF is responding to the need for British speaking instructors, realising that if it doesn't do something to meet it, it's going to lose a hefty proportion of its client base. It's hoped that this move will further strengthen the ESF's position in resorts across the Alps and the Pyrenees, thereby helping secure jobs in the future for all instructors.
Andrew Lockerbie, chairman of BASI, said, “We're looking forward to working together to recruit British instructors to the ESF. It's going to provide a greater variety of instructors for clients which can only help to benefit everyone involved."
"It's an excellent opportunity for Brtish instructors - France is the holy grail for instructors as it's one of the few places where you can actually make a living from teaching, plus it shows British instructors are now valued internationally."
Eric Gravier, representing all 250 ESF schools and director of the ESF in Les 2 Alpes, said, “Ideally candidates will need to have their international diploma (ISTD), but if not they can come and finish their training with the ESF. Regardless, we all have the same qualifications now so we should work together for the benefit of our guests.”
BASI members are being directed to speak to Simon Atkinson (+33 684 075 350), who will put them in contact with the relevant schools.
