Hotel school students' views of their preparation for work-integrated learning: An exploratory study

Abstract

South African hotel schools offer national diplomas in Hospitality Management and Food and Beverage Management, both of which include compulsory work-integrated learning. This gives the students the opportunities to apply what they have learned and to be prepared for the workplace once their training is complete. Research was undertaken to determine whether the preparation in the classroom for this experience was the best possible. Questionnaires were distributed to students (N=15) who had completed their final work-integrated learning semester. This paper will share how the students, on reflection, viewed their preparation for the work-integrated learning component and what they recommend should be changed or improved by the academic advisors and the industry mentors.