Careers in the Transportation Industry

The transportation industry includes all businesses involved in moving people from one place to another.

Sample Careers

Taxicab and Limousine Drivers

Taxi Drivers transport passengers by car, van and limousine. A Taxi or Limousine Driver is often the first local contact for visitors and can have a significant positive influence on a tourist. They have extensive and detailed knowledge of the area in which they drive. Taxi Drivers are in a position to provide a wealth of tourism information and generate exceptional travel experiences. They must have and maintain an excellent driving record and transport customers safely from place to place via the most direct or practical route possible.

A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license of the appropriate class (Class 4) for the Province of Saskatchewan, have a criminal record check and pay the application fee.

Training and certification:

• emerit Taxicab and Limousine Driver
• Tourism Saskatchewan - Service First for the Taxi Industry
• Tourism Saskatchewan - Customer Service Training (Service Best)
• St. John Ambulance and Red Cross – First Aid and CPR

Car Rental Agent

Car Rental Agents supply cars, trucks and vans to customers who need to rent a vehicle for a short period of time. They ensure the vehicles are well maintained and in good condition. They communicate with the customer to coordinate customer pick-ups and provide necessary information. They are well informed of the company’s rental rates and policies.

A Bachelors Degree, 2-year College Diploma or international equivalent is preferred. A driver’s license is required with no more than two moving violations and/or at fault accidents in the past three years and no drug- or alcohol-related convictions in the past five years. Customer service orientation, good written and verbal communication skills, computer competencies, attention to detail, telephone etiquette and teamwork are desirable skills.

Training and certification:

• Tourism Saskatchewan – Customer Service Training (Service Best)
• Enterprise Management Trainee Program:
  • Bachelors Degree or College Diploma pre-requisite
  • Business skills development – hands-on learning
  • An active role in community organizations required

Small Business Owner / Operator – Transportation

A successful Small Business Owner for transportation services catering to the Saskatchewan tourism industry could include opportunities like community taxi services and vehicle rental services for land, water or snow activities. Whatever the transportation service, the Owner has a wide range of responsibilities, including business planning, operations, finance accounting, human resource management, marketing and sales. A Small Business Owner must continuously review and update business plans, check budget figures and monitor accounting and cash procedures.

A high school diploma or equivalent is an asset. A college diploma or degree in business, tourism, marketing or management is useful. Training in first aid is highly recommended.

Training and certification:

• Tourism Saskatchewan - Customer Service Training (Service Best)
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic – Business Certificate
• University of Saskatchewan, Edwards School of Business – Business Certificate/Degree
• St. John Ambulance and Red Cross – First Aid and CPR
• WHMIS

Need more information?

Tourism Saskatchewan's Guide to Tourism Careers in Saskatchewan provides detailed descriptions of 45 career opportunities out of the hundreds of occupations available in all five industries that make up the tourism sector of the economy. Each industry, covered in its own module, includes an overview, career profiles, main duties, recommended education and training. Each career description includes a personal feature about someone in Saskatchewan who is doing that work. A bonus module provides links to tourism training and post-secondary programs that support the professional development of tourism employees. Information is provided on programs available from Tourism Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Regina Industry Education Councils, Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the University of Saskatchewan, and the University of Regina, as well as private colleges and trainers. This guide includes infographics showing the career progression journeys that are possible in culinary, international special events and hospitality.

Explore Tourism Careers is an interactive online presentation that provides teachers, career counsellors and high school students with an overview of the career opportunities available in the tourism sector in Saskatchewan. This short presentation explores four areas that answer students' and teachers' most-asked questions about building a successful tourism career.

These online resources always contain the most up-to-date information and are revised regularly.