From talking to managers, that ain't gonna cut it for the holidays. I would say about 8/10 managers I've dealt with tell me that they only care about experience. The course sometimes conflicts with the way THEY make drinks. But the basics are covered at least.
I know someone who got tested RIGHT away. Worked an hour.
From what I've seen, the people who get the jobs are the ones who are funky, get nicely dressed up and go out to about 100 bars with 100 resumes.
Also try hotel bars. They are bigger and will need more help. My friend got a job at the York Theatre.
You might also want to look into a bar and hospitality jobs recruiting agency.
The one suggestion I've been giving is to do private parties if you really want to blossom as a bartender. Hold private parties at your place to practice. Everyone pays a small fee and they get served from a menu. Time yourself, carry shit around, set up a proper bar..
And put that on your resume. This one girl did that and impressed the shit out of us. Lok did that too. Worked a lot of catering gigs (you should ask him to sign up as he often bartends) and he passes his card around to people at the wedding so he gets all these referrals to bartend other parties and weddings.
As well, try
http://www.hcareers.ca It covers the GTA from Swiss Chalet to Liberty Group to small time places.
