As a Filipino bartender wanting to work abroad, you may want to consider Canada. After all, the country has a strong job market and opportunities for career growth. Bartenders in Canada work in restaurants, bars, hotels, taverns, private clubs, banquet halls, and so much more. There is literally a lot of opportunities for you if you have the right skills.
Having said that, the competition can be tough and you may need to take a lot of steps and prepare lots of requirements. It is worth it though, and by going through this step-by-step guide, you will find that the application process can be as smooth as possible.
Your Guide to Becoming a Bartender in Canada
Duties and Responsibilities of a Bartender
Bartenders in Canada perform a wide range of tasks. These include the following:
- Taking drink orders from servers or customers.
- Mixing and preparing cocktails, soft drinks, and other beverages.
- Serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Handling payments and keeping sales records.
- Managing inventory and ordering supplies.
- Keeping the bar area clean and washing glassware.
- Following liquor laws and regulations.
- Training and supervising junior bartenders (for senior roles).
- Hiring and letting go of staff when needed.
Employment Requirements
Before applying to become a bartender in Canada, you need to have the right qualifications. For most job ads, they usually ask that you have the following credentials:
- Completion of secondary school may be required.
- Responsible beverage service certification may be required.
- Completion of college or other programs in bartending or mixing drinks is usually required.
- Strong customer service skills and experience in the hospitality industry.
Bartending Certifications by Province
Each province in Canada has different certification requirements for bartenders. Even if a province does not legally require certification, employers may still prefer candidates who have it. Below is a list of responsible beverage service training programs per province:
Provinces That Require Certification
- Alberta – ProServe
- British Columbia – Serve it Right (SIR)
- Manitoba – Serve it Safe
- Ontario – Smart Serve
- Prince Edward Island – It’s Our Business
Provinces That Recommend Certification
- New Brunswick – It’s Good Business
- Newfoundland and Labrador – It’s Good Business
- Nova Scotia – Serve Right
- Quebec – Service In Action ($89 fee)
- Saskatchewan – Serve It Right ($30 fee)
These certifications can be taken online or in person and usually take 4-6 hours to complete. These fees range from $25 to $89, depending on the province.
Earnings and Salary Expectations
The salary of a bartender in Canada depends on several factors, including experience, location, and employer. Aside from wages, bartenders can also earn through tips. Below are the estimated wages based on the 2023 Job Bank data:
- Annual Earnings: $39,626
- Hourly Wages:
- High: $30.00/hr
- Median: $19.00/hr
- Low: $16.75/hr
Usually, bartenders can earn more when they work in high-end establishments or busy urban centers. In fact, in these places they can get more through tips.
Steps to Apply as a Bartender in Canada
1. Obtain the Necessary Education and Training
Some employers may hire you with just a high school diploma. However, you can be a more competitive candidate if you have completed a bartending or mixology program. These programs can teach you a lot of skills, including:
- Drink preparation
- Customer service
- Responsible alcohol service
- And more.
2. Get Certified
Check the certification requirements for the province where you intend to work and complete the necessary responsible beverage service training.
3. Gain Bartending Experience
Employers prefer bartenders with experience, so gaining hands-on experience as a barback (bartender assistant) can be beneficial. If you have previous experience as a bartender, be sure to highlight this in your resume and applications.
4. Prepare a Resume and Apply for Jobs
Create a professional resume that highlights your bartending skills, experience, and certifications. Look for job openings on Canadian job sites like:
- Job Bank (Canada’s government job portal)
- Indeed
- Workopolis
- Glassdoor
5. Apply for a Work Visa
To work legally in Canada as an OFW, you need to obtain a valid work visa. The most common work permits for bartenders are:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – Requires a job offer and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from your employer.
- International Experience Canada (IEC) – Working Holiday Visa – Allows young professionals (18-35 years old) from select countries to work temporarily in Canada.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Some provinces may offer a pathway to permanent residency for experienced hospitality workers.
6. Attend Interviews and Secure a Job Offer
After receiving an interview invitation, you should be ready to demonstrate your bartending skills, knowledge of liquor laws, and customer service abilities. Once you pass and the employer offers you a job, they may help you in processing your work visa application.
7. Relocate to Canada and Start Working
Once you receive your work visa, you can move to Canada and start working as a bartender. Be sure to comply with all immigration and employment regulations.
Work Environment and Career Growth
The following are the typical work conditions of bartenders working in Canada:
- Most bartenders work indoors in bars, restaurants, or event venues.
- The job requires handling various liquids, working late hours, and interacting with different customers.
- Only 11% of bartenders work full-time; many positions are part-time or seasonal.
Career Advancement
Over time, you gain a lot of experience working as a bartender. You can then advance to any of the following roles:
- Head Bartender or Supervisor – Managing other bartenders and handling inventory.
- Bar Manager – Overseeing the entire bar operations.
- Restaurant or Hotel Management – Managing food and beverage services.
- Entrepreneurship – Opening your own bar or catering business.
Final Tips for Success
- Stay updated with liquor laws and industry trends.
- Develop strong customer service and communication skills.
- Build a portfolio of signature cocktails to showcase your creativity.
- Use social media to market your skills and connect with potential employers.
- Consider additional training in fine dining, wine service, or mixology to boost your qualifications.
Indeed, it takes a lot of preparation, certification and experience to become a bartender in Canada. If you follow these steps carefully, you can increase your chances of getting a bartending job working abroad and having a rewarding career in Canada. This job can be quite fulfilling if you are passionate about mixology, customer service, and creating enjoyable experiences for customers.