The next generation of tourism leaders have graduated from the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS) at a time when the hotel industry needs the workers the most.
Laureate Australia Hospitality’s General Manager, Jerome Casteigt, says it’s the perfect time for students to be considering working in hotels, with Australian tourism expected to be worth in excess of AUD$129 billion by 2020-21, driving demand for more industry professionals.
A recent graduate survey in 2015 showed that 95 per cent of students from BMIHMS (that’s owned by Laureate Australia Hospitality), were in full time employment within three months of graduating, markedly higher than the national average of 68.1 per cent.
Most notably, more than 70 per cent of term four students who graduated last week (Mar 4) had obtained graduate positions prior to graduation.
“The travel, tourism and hospitality industries are booming both here and overseas, especially since China surpassed the valuable Japanese market in visitor numbers, nights stayed and dollars spent,” Casteigt said. “The weaker Australian dollar is also attracting international visitors.
“Our 2016 graduates have a valuable and unique combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience which ensures they are ready to start their careers immediately.
“Enrolling in one of our programs is a wise move for those looking to work in the hotel industry.
“We offer specialist industry-aligned hospitality programs, highly respected by the global hotel, restaurant, catering and event management industries, in many of the areas that are directly benefitting from the sustained growth in Australian tourism,” he said.
Graduates of BMIHMS at Torrens University have been guided by the School’s rigorous three pillar approach, encompassing professional and personal growth, practical skills development and academic achievement – designed to produce highly motivated, sought-after, critical thinking professionals who are valued by industry employers.
BMIHMS at Torrens University provides students with a pathway to a successful professional career, assisted by the networks created while studying and by leveraging the existing connections the School has with industry partners and via the competitive recruitment program offered, Graduate Privileged Partners (GPP).
GPP connects the highest achieving final year students with a select group of industry partners and provides a unique opportunity for these industry leaders to recruit top graduates.
“From hotel managers to resort managers, chief operating officers to guest services directors, those wishing to pursue both analytic and strategic careers in many departments, including finance, marketing and human resources among others, within the wider hospitality industry, can look forward to opportunities in both the local and international jobs markets, a sought after benefit in today’s global marketplace,” Casteigt said.