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Industry needs hospitality grads

It's an industry rife with opportunity and the flexibility of part-time and seasonal work and rewarding careers around the world; yet many believe jobs in the hospitality sector are few and far between and that is leading to decreased enrolment in colleges, which are struggling to produce enough graduates.

LINDA WHITE

[ 2007-05-23 ]

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95 to 97 per cent of graduates of the School of Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism at Humber College are landing employment within their field of study upon graduation.

"There is a labour shortage in Ontario for qualified individuals within the hospitality, tourism and culinary arts industry, particularly hospitality and tourism," says Alister Mathieson, dean of the School of Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism at Humber College in Toronto. "At the college, we can't produce enough graduates to meet industry demand."

Outdated perceptions continue to dog the industry. "Tourism numbers in Ontario dropped dramatically following SARS and Sept. 11 and businesses were forced to have layoffs," he says. "There's a perception that industry and job opportunities haven't rebounded. Our enrolment fell by as much as 60% and didn't come back to pre-SARS and Sept. 11 numbers until four years later."

As a result, graduates are being gobbled up as soon as colleges spit them out: 95% to 97% of Humber grads are landing employment within their field of study immediately upon graduation. "We get calls from employers every summer and just can't fill their requests," Mathieson says.

"As the industry has rebounded, we are only now getting back to producing the same number of grads pre-Sept. 11 and SARS. In that time, there has also been attrition and retirements within the industry and therefore that labour shortage."

The rules of supply and demand have resulted in some positives. "Industry salary and remuneration was typically low in the hospitality sector, but has improved significantly," Mathieson says.

Together with other colleges, Humber is working to promote career opportunities within the sector. Mathieson is chair of the Heads of Hospitality and Tourism Colleges in Ontario Association, created four years ago. "One of our agenda items is to increase the profile of the sector and career opportunities that exist within it."

Humber's School of Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism is recognized as an industry leader. "Our first year of curriculum teaches students basic sector skills and content. As they move into second year, they have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as fine dining," Mathieson says.

"One of the great things about our school is that students can transfer in and out without being penalized. Many young people don't know the specific sector within the industry they want to choose. We allow them the flexibility to choose the pathway they want."

Humber hones the leadership, business, teamwork, customer service, problem-solving and computer skills that are critical to each sector. "Those skills are transferable from one sector. You could say they are essential ingredients," Mathieson says.

In response to the huge influence technology has on the industry, Humber revamped its curriculum four years ago. "Tourism is now the world's largest industry. Technology has made it a global business ... Our curriculum focuses on the role of technology in changing people's consumer behaviour."

Internships are a key ingredient to the success of Humber programs. "All of our programs include an internship component at the end of the program that does lead students to full-time work ... Because students are being trained in world-class facilities, they automatically become attractive to industry, both in Canada and around the world. Through international study experiences, our students can also gain work experience in Europe. To have that on a resume is very important."

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