STA welcomes new cohort |17 February 2017

The Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) has welcomed around 300 new students who will start the new semester on February 27, 2017.

The new students were all gathered at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) yesterday for an induction session aimed at learning more about the tourism academy, regulations, code of conduct, among others.

Present at the induction ceremony were the principal secretary for tourism Anne Lafortune, the principal of the STA Flavien Joubert, the chairman of STA governing board John Stravens, the patron of STA Claude Narrain, lecturers and parents.

In his opening speech Mr Joubert noted that STA is enrolling fewer students this year compared to last year’s 337.

“Every three months after the first term has started, we lose over 30 to 40 students from the school due to the institution’s rules being too rigid, allowance not enough, discipline too strong, among others.  We are not a military school, but we have a strict policy so that we can groom all our students to work in the tourism establishments,” he said.

He added that upon completion of their course the students will have many opportunities out there.

“Students will be able to be employed not only in hotels, but also in airlines, guest houses, restaurants, at the airport, travel agencies, destination management companies (DMCs) and yacht charter businesses. Upon completion of the courses most of you will be offered a job at the place where you did your attachment. STA will offer you a career, but you need to plan and execute the plan using your career. You need to know what you want and start working towards these wants, career goals,” he said.

Emma Edmond, a second-year student pursuing a course in wellness and spa at the STA, stated since she started her education at the school, it was quite challenging.

“If you obey the rules, everything will turn out good for you. My first year was really complicated, but the teachers were always there to help us. STA is a good school, which prepares you for the tourism industry,” she said.

For Emily Noel who just finished S5 at English River secondary school, she is ready for the challenge that STA has to offer.

“I have applied for the reception, operations and services, and I am ready to overcome all the challenges that the school has to offer,” she said.