The employer voice in the hospitality work-integrated-learning agenda

Employer demands for a highly skilled and flexible workforce require universities to produce hospitality graduates that are work ready and capable of succeeding in the future. Work-integrated-learning (WIL) is positioned as a means to address the gap between graduate attributes and industry expectations, though realisation of WIL benefits is dependent on the ability to secure synergistic partnerships with industry. This paper examines hospitality employer understanding of WIL and identification of the potential benefits and barriers to employer participation in the WIL process. A mixed method approach was used in data collection and data presented here is from the qualitative focus groups of employer respondents. The research findings emphasised the need for a common language between industry and academics, increased WIL advocacy and education of employers as well as mitigating barriers to participation in order to progress the hospitality WIL Agenda.