Tourism and hospitality - VET study in tourism and hospitality
VET study in tourism and hospitality
Careers for tourism and hospitality VET graduates
This is one of the few fields in which careers have traditionally been launched in the VET sector. There is no shortage of interesting career paths to choose from at all professional levels — in fact, VET graduates can usually succeed in taking the same career paths as degree graduates into hospitality and tourism management.
A range of occupations are possible after VET study in this field, including:
- Caterer
- Chef/cook
- Events Coordinator
- Hospitality manager
- Resort manager
- Tour guide
- Travel salesperson
- Visitor information officer.
Specific occupations that have high projected growth rates in employment are those of a more operational nature, such as cooks, waitpersons, bar attendants, room attendants and kitchen hands.
Courses and specialisations
VET courses in tourism and hospitality run from certificate I level through to advanced diploma. There are courses that lead directly into all of the occupational categories above. Be aware that the management course (hospitality management, tourism management) are only available at diploma or advanced diploma level.
Getting in
This is a very accessible field even at university so you can expect few prerequisites or entry requirements in most cases. However, diploma and advanced diploma courses can be a bit more challenging to enter. This is particularly true at TAFE institutes and registered training organisations (RTOs) which specialise in the field. Expect an interview for these ones.
Where to study
Relevant courses are available at TAFE institutes and also RTOs all around the country. This is one of those fields in which there are a number of specialist providers, both in the public and private sector. Some of the private institutions are elite residential schools, which offer training at both higher education and VET level. They may cost more than TAFEs that specialise in the field.
What to look for
Courses in this field are largely vocationally oriented so whichever kind of provider you choose, TAFE, university or private, look for good practical training, either on-the-job or through on-campus simulation.
Also, check out if your course is fully accredited by the Australian Hospitality (or Tourism Training) Review Panel or by any international organisations.
Pathways
In some instances courses in this field may provide articulation pathways to higher levels of study both within the VET sector and the university sector. Credit and recognition of prior learning may be given for some of the lower level VET courses (such as certificate II, III or IV) towards diploma courses in the same or related subject areas.
Similarly, students who complete diploma or advanced diploma courses may be eligible for entry into degree courses in tourism and hospitality. In such instances, recognition of prior learning may result in exemption from one to two years of the bachelor course.
Case study
Graduates of the Advanced Diploma of Hospitality (Management) may be able to gain entry to the Bachelor of Management. Through recognition of prior learning, students may be eligible to apply for an exemption of one year from the three-year degree.
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