For the third consecutive year, the Institute of Tourism Studies has hosted an Industry Student Meet-up at the ITS Malta campus in Luqa. This activity brings together the industry, including various four- and five-star hotels as well as businesses coming from the wider hospitality sector, to meet with ITS students and explore ways how to establish a relationship which will eventually not only benefit the students learning outcomes but also possibly lead to a career within their company.
The Industry-Student Meet-up is held with the aim of giving students the unique opportunity to meet and get to know different reputable organisations at their place of study, which could be used as a networking event as well as an opportunity to be offered an interview or trial within the various organisations present. As for the Foundation, Certificate, Higher National Diploma and Degree students, this may also serve as an opportunity for them to find the perfect organisation for their local placement.
This year ITS also invited various guidance teachers from state and church secondary schools to use this event as a means to understand better the hospitality and tourism industry, which in turn will guide the future generation when it is time for them to choose their higher educational path.
The Industry Student Meet-Up has been scheduled to be part of the VET week, organised by the EU Commission between 5 and 9 November. VET offers individuals of all ages an excellent opportunity to develop their skills, prepare for jobs and improve their employability. Through the EVSW, the EU commission wants to raise awareness of the wide range of opportunities available through VET and encourage more people to participate and learn what it has to offer.
The Institute of Tourism Studies constantly updates its curriculum with the industry involvement and is also actively involving students in practical training from very early stages. Being a vocation institution, ITS students benefit from hands on experience, as well as theoretical teaching, which helps in making them a superior candidate than their counterparts.
MHRA president Tony Zahra, who visited the Industry Student Meet-up day, expressed his satisfaction that ITS is opening the door to the industry and encourages students to start from very early to map their career.
ITS CEO Pierre Fenech stated that: "This is a one of a kind opportunity for our students, which may be used as a first step onto their future career within the Tourism and Hospitality Industry. This event has proved successful every year and is getting very much sought after by the industry and our students."