Employability skills of TVET hotel graduates in hotel sector: Qualitative study.

Abstract

This study explores the key employability skills that are considered vital for the future resilience of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) hotel graduates, based on the perspectives of hotel employers in the post-pandemic environment. The research emphasises the growing importance of soft skills and non-technical proficiencies in assessing the employability of individuals for employment, especially in the hotel industry. It highlights the necessity of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in preparing individuals for such employment. The study seeks to explore the specific areas of employability skills that are crucial for the future success of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) hotel graduates in the hotel sector of Malaysia, using qualitative interviews. The research underscores the industry's support for effective communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and the importance of interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, intrapersonal talents, emotional intelligence, professionalism and ethics, occupational health and safety skills, and entrepreneurship abilities. Moreover, industry leaders emphasise the crucial significance of critical and inventive thinking in tackling developing difficulties. During the period following the pandemic, there is a recognition of the essential qualities of intrapersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and professionalism. There is also a growing emphasis on workplace health and safety. The study emphasises the importance of including these skills in TVET programmes to equip graduates with the ability to succeed and adapt in the competitive and constantly changing hotel industry.