Challenges of a Work-Integrated Learning Process in a Hospitality Department

Abstract

Work-integrated learning in the hospitality industry provides learners with the opportunity to gain experience in a real world context. The hospitality industry is known to be a stressful industry with antisocial working hours, poor salaries and high expectations of consistent good service. Currently the Department of Hospitality Management is experiencing many challenges relaying to successful placement of students in industry and completion of the work-integrated learning segment of students. A well-established process is followed, but this process does not address all the issues as the attitude of students' attitude has changed. Generation-Y students as well as first-generation students have needs that differ from those of previous students. Tertiary education has to include preparation for work-integrated learning in the curriculum to enhance the work-integrated learning experience. Students who should take responsibility for their own learning during internship, should realise the importance of a positive attitude. A successful internship will only be achieved if the tertiary environment, students and industry form a positive partnership, with each partner contributing to a well-prepared student with relevant employability skills suited to the work environment.