VICTORIA, Seychelles, Over 200 new students are joining the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) this year, out of over 350 who have applied for courses at the institution. The new intake reflects the continued appeal of tourism education in Seychelles. The academy remains one of the country’s leading institutions for hospitality training.
Yesterday, the new students and their parents took part in the annual induction session at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) led by the director of the Seychelles Tourism Academy, Terrence Max, and deputy director Brigitte Joubert, in the presence of principal secretary for tourism Sherin Francis and chairman of STA’s governing board Dereck Barbé. They were apprised of the programmes, and officially enrolled in their respective courses, met the lecturers and respective heads of departments, as well as learned about the rules and regulations of the institution. The atmosphere was described as welcoming and informative by many of the new students and their families.
Alvin Sinon, a prospective student embarking on the Advanced Certificate in Bar and Restaurant, expressed that this was his second choice. So far I have received all the information needed and I am very intrigued to start this new journey, said Alvin, who added that the only remaining tasks on his checklist are to purchase the uniform and materials. One of the parents, Jean Alcindor, said they got enough information as both the management and board members were engaging with them. He encouraged the students to learn and work hard during their studies and for parents to remain involved.
PS Francis emphasised government’s commitment to ensure that students have meaningful experiences during their studies. I aspire to witness their graduation and successful employment within this industry, Mrs Francis expressed. She highlighted that last year, 81 percent of learners secured employment after completing their studies at STA, and their aim in 2024 is to approach closer to a 100 percent job placement rate. Speaking to Seychelles NATION, STA director Terrence Max said they were satisfied with the interest shown towards STA this year, based on the number of applications which has surpassed 350.
However, this number went down due to their entry criteria. Mr Max said STA is now putting emphasis on quality and maintaining retention during the course. We have very strict entry criteria because we want quality instead of just filling up the quota. We no longer want students who are there because they could not get into their other choices. We want people who are interested and inspired and who chose tourism as their first choice, and remain in the industry once they graduate, said Mr Max. To increase potential employees into the industry, STA is also considering introducing foundation courses in various fields, starting with a foundation programme for kitchen and culinary arts later this year.
