By Matthew Sims
Victoria University [VU] is celebrating its contribution to the tourism, hospitality and event management industry workforce across the country for more than 50 years.
Ahead of World Tourism Day on Tuesday, September 27, VU is recognising the participation of a number of Melbourne tourism organisations who have provided opportunities for students to complete the 150 hours they must complete before they graduate, including Accor Hotels, Quest Apartments, RACV Clubs & Resorts and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
VU’s Business School head Associate Professor Romana Garma said a number of the work placements result in a permanent position for the students.
“It is such a valuable experience for our students to work in their chosen industry before they graduate,” she said.
“They perform better academically and appreciate the link between theory and practise.”
Known as ‘work-integrated learning,’ the placement has proven to be successful enough to allow for all VU business students in other majors, such as accounting, marketing, management and banking, to complete a guaranteed work placement from 2023.
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins talent and culture director Edward Pierce said their partnership has been mutually beneficial to both organisations since it was launched about 20 years ago.
“We benefit by equipping passionate people with real skills to work in the industry, while the students can increase their knowledge with relevant and up-to-date information,” he said.
Student Kayla Irvine said her time as an event management intern at sport talent and marketing agency TLA Worldwide provided her with an opportunity to apply her classroom theories to real-world work situations.
“My placement allowed me to work with and learn from so many talented event management professionals,” she said.
“I was thrilled when they offered me permanent employment at the end of my placement.”
The National Skills Commission recently reported that Australia’s travel, tourism, accommodation, hospitality and events sectors are facing a workforce shortage of about 310,000 staff.
Details: wil.business@vu.edu.au
