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 reports www.natives.co.uk.
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.
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.
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 British 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.” #fb