Focus on training vocational groups in the tourism industry

In recent times, vocational training institutions in the province have focused on training tourism-related occupations such as culinary techniques, restaurant management, tour guides, etc., to meet the increasing needs of learners and businesses in this field.

Focus on soft skills

Tourism is booming, many businesses in this field are interested in high-quality labor. Therefore, many units have coordinated with professional agencies to open training courses and professional development.

According to the Provincial Trade Union Vocational Education Center, in 2022, the Center trained about 650 students in the following majors: Culinary Arts, Reception, Accommodation, and Restaurant. In the first 3 months of 2023, 2 businesses registered for vocational training courses in the tourism industry.

However, unlike the previous period which only focused on training professional skills for students, recently, vocational training institutions and enterprises have increased the duration of soft skills training for workers.

According to Mr. Le Thanh Sy, Director of the Provincial Trade Union Vocational Training Center, with the development of society, the requirements for tourism workers are increasingly higher, not only mastering one skill but also requiring many other factors.

“In addition to skills and qualifications, workers need to be equipped with skills in service and communication with customers, especially in unexpected situations that need to be handled quickly and professionally. This is a key factor that affects the image of the business in the eyes of customers, so it should be given top priority,” said Mr. Sy.

In addition to soft skills, improving foreign language proficiency for students is also a focus of vocational training institutions. Mr. Pham Van Tuong, Vice Principal of Quy Nhon College of Technology, said: “Foreign language is an important factor, especially when working with foreign partners and tourists. Therefore, in addition to basic English, the school also includes specialized English courses in the curriculum so that students in related majors can have a better grasp of this skill.”

From the perspective of enterprises, Ms. Cao Thi Niem, Head of Human Resources Department of Binh Duong Hotel (Military Corps 15), affirmed: "Professional skills are necessary factors, soft skills and foreign languages are sufficient factors to create a highly qualified worker, meeting the requirements of employers and customers".

Restaurant Management students, Quy Nhon College of Technology, practice beverage mixing skills. Photo: Quy Nhon College of Technology

Actively support students

To build a highly qualified human resource that meets the requirements of employers, vocational training institutions put the criterion of "being able to do the job" first.

For trainees who are employees of enterprises, the Provincial Trade Union Vocational Training Center invites enterprises to participate in adjusting the training program, determining the requirements for each skill needed to train according to a suitable roadmap. Thanks to that, hundreds of workers from large enterprises such as Maia Quy Nhon Resort, FLC Quy Nhon Golf & Resort, Anya Hotel... have improved their qualifications and soft skills.

In parallel, the Center also has a plan to coordinate and support small and medium enterprises in 3 activities: Training, retraining; consulting, introducing jobs for those being trained; supporting units to train internally.

For students, in addition to updating curriculum and ensuring facilities for learners, training institutions are ready to answer students' questions related to recruitment needs and job opportunities. Nguyen Truong Phong, a student of the K15 Culinary Arts class (Quy Nhon College of Technology), shared: "In order to study effectively, students need to understand the requirements and criteria of employers for workers. For example, in my profession, in addition to ensuring delicious dishes, it is necessary to meet the criteria of eye-catching and attractive presentation. Thanks to teachers spending more time instructing, we have the opportunity to improve further."

In addition, to help students work in their field after graduation, Quy Nhon College of Technology and Engineering advocates continuing to closely cooperate with businesses inside and outside the province to send students for internships, gradually approaching the actual work, gradually perfecting the necessary skills and expertise in a professional environment.

“During the 3-month internship at companies and businesses in the tourism industry, many students were sent by the school to large companies such as Sun World Ba Na Hills, hotels in Phu Quoc... and were all retained to work. The rate of students having jobs in their major after graduation is over 95%,” said Mr. Tuong.

DUONG LINH

Source