Record number of students now at tourism academy |23 February 2009

The recruits, who were accompanied by their parents, first attended an assembly before going to their classes.
The morning began with a prayer by Father Christine Benoit, followed by the introduction of the new STA chairman, board members and all 67 academy staff.

In his assembly speech, STA principal Flavien Joubert reminded the hotel and tourism students that in the current world economic crisis they should consider themselves very lucky to have chosen this career as in Seychelles the hotel business is still booming and will require up to 8,000 staff over the next five years.

He told the students they should be motivated, dedicated and work hard to achieve success at the STA. He also reminded them that they should be positive at all times, with a perception of worthwhile goals in their lives and with belief in themselves. 

Speaking to the parents who were present, Mr Joubert told them they are pillars at home for their children’s success. An excellent working relationship between them and the academy staff will help their children achieve excellent results.
He stressed that the line of effective communication must stay open between the parents and the STA staff. 

Mr Joubert’s final advice to the students was as follows: “I advise you to cultivate an attitude of being a useful person at all times for constructive accomplishment here at the academy and in your personal life. Cultivate the virtues of honesty, morality, kindness, generosity, self-control, continued learning and insightful living.”

The new students will join more than 375 already at the academy following two-year advanced diploma courses in food and beverage service, reception operations, food production, international tourism, wellness and spa; the three-year hotel management course; and the four-year apprenticeship scheme mode for all the courses. 

Though Seychelles’ tourism industry has seen a drop in figures, STA graduates completing their studies at the end of 2009 are guaranteed employment. This is due to a partnership between the academy and Constance Hotels, the company managing the new Ephilia Hotel at Port Launay, which will take on 280-300 graduates.

Constance will send a team of trainers to the STA in December to conduct pre-opening training for the Ephilia. The company will also use the academy as the recruitment base for more than 600 staff needed to work at the biggest five-star hotel in Seychelles.

The STA said it is fortunate and proud to be associated with such a credible brand of hotel management and feels this credibility will filter through the STA systems, helping it achieve its mandate as a “high-quality and autonomous” hotel and tourism school.

In this, it is guided by a competent and dynamic advisory committee made up of general managers in the private sector and senior government officials.