Teacher and career counsellor perspectives on the career decision-making of secondary level students in hospitality VET courses : an examination of motivation and the impact of work experience

Abstract

This study's primary objective is to understand what motivates and influences students to study hospitality as a VET elective in high school, using insights gained from a VET teacher and career counsellor perspective. While research exists on student motivations at a tertiary level in hospitality studies, there is little research on understanding the motives of secondary students to undertake hospitality as an elective subject. Given the importance of education in supporting a pipeline of skilled and qualified staff and the existing workforce sustainability challenges facing the sector, gaining new insights into hospitality studies in schools may help build an understanding of the complex relationship between training opportunities and career choice. The study identified trends and changing attitudes towards studying hospitality and as a career pathway among senior students, revealing both positive and negative sentiments. The study's findings indicated an overall waning interest in hospitality, as seen by a progressive reduction in enrolments, with female students accounting for a more significant proportion of enrolments. The findings also indicate that socio-demographic factors and intrinsic and extrinsic motivations significantly influenced and determined a student's interest in the hospitality industry. The research revealed that teachers and career counsellors believed that students had limited knowledge of the hospitality industry, having only two weeks of exposure in a realistic environment and the theoretical and practical elements of the Certificate II kitchen operations and Food & Beverage streams. They indicated that if the hospitality industry is relying on secondary graduates to help fill the gaps in the workforce, it should look elsewhere. Recommendations emanating from the research include an early introduction to the opportunities offered by a career in hospitality, which would increase industry awareness. With school visits by young industry professionals, ambassador programs, and school familiarisation programs, students and their families are educated about career opportunities in hospitality and tourism. Additional research would be recommended in light of the study's constraints, including various urban and rural areas providing a diverse data set and helping identify trends across diverse socio-economic and demographic groups and geographical landscapes.

Date of Award	2022
Original language	English