We know what sets us apart from other hotel schools – it’s not just the internationally recognised programmes our students study, or the amazing state-of-the-art kitchen facilities available for practical lessons, or the fun and vibrant campus life on offer. It’s the opportunity to gain incredible insights and industry knowledge through practical training placements at leading establishments countrywide, and this creates the perfect learning environment for our students. Practical experience comes standard at the International Hotel School – we wouldn’t want it any other way.

 

Why is practical training so important to us?

Our courses are designed to include a practical element where students follow Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in leading hotels countrywide. Our student’s coursework during each year of study is made up of 50% academic learning in the classroom and 50% practical training in the workplace. Students are monitored during their practical training and are only able to progress further in the course once their practical outcomes are reached and passed. We are dedicated to ensuring that students are not only learning but gaining industry experience at the same time.

There is no substitute for learning skills ‘on-the-job’ under the guidance of supervisors and managers with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Students get the chance to think on their feet, solve real-time problems, and deal with complaints. The helpful tips, hints and advice from industry professionals helps to give our students ‘The edge’ in a very demanding industry. Enthusiasm + practical skills training = exceptional graduates. Our students are guaranteed placements during their programme, through a dedicated team of staff who monitor, manage and support the process on behalf of our students.

Our industry needs qualified and skilled professionals

The hospitality industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. In South Africa, Africa, Europe and the UAE there is an abundance of hotels, resorts, restaurants and cruise liners that are being built or are opening soon. The best part for us is that our students are ‘job ready’ when they graduate, and this makes them a hot commodity and very popular for recruitment scouts. We have local and international scouts who visit our students on a regular basis. The fact that our students have plenty of practical training under their belts makes them employable straight after they graduate.

Where are our students placed?

There are plenty of outstanding establishments where our students are placed and they range from 5-star luxury hotels and resorts to game lodges and boutique guest houses. The One and Only, Cape Town; The Oyster Box, Umhlanga and The Michelangelo Hotel, Sandton are just a few of the students favourites.  (Not to mention the cruise ships and internships in the USA where many of our 3^rd years choose to carry out their final practical requirements before they graduate).

Says Kevin Joseph, Executive Chef and F&B Operations Manager at The Oyster Box Hotel, “At the Oyster Box, we take practical training very seriously. It’s our opportunity to pass on valuable insights into how kitchens and operations work in a real environment. As far as the kitchen is concerned, there is always something new to learn from any one of the chef brigade, so students have access to creative ideas that they may not otherwise have had without a solid practical element. We love the enthusiasm of the students and they are part of the team when they are with us.”

To view more of our industry partners who assist us with Work Integrated Learning, click here.

How can I find out more?

(Images: www.shutterstock.com and www.pixabay.com and  http://www.oysterboxhotel.com/gallery)