Highlighting the potential benefits of developing the industrial relationship Simon Thomas and Ian Jones Bournemouth University

2 Question There is evidence suggesting that there is a gap between the employers’ expectations and graduates’ employability skills (Lee Lee and Kim 2009) therefore we carried out a longitudinal study examining first year Students and their Employability Skills. What do you consider were the top four motivators students cited with regard to their expectations?

3 Answers 1.Training 2.Being Valued 3.Feedback/Communication 4.Career/Graduate Employment opportunities

4 What students need and employers want: The students perspective To be valued for their contribution Factors such as rewards and recognition have been shown to contribute to job satisfaction (Wagenheim & Anderson, 2008) To be trained and developed Babakus et al (2003) found a significant positive relationship between, training, empowerment, rewards and performance, which was mediated through the role of job satisfaction. To be given opportunities to apply knowledge Placements are vital as they allow students to experience real job situations, while they are in education so that they can have realistic expectations about their careers (Ayres, 2006)

5 What students need and employers want: The employers perspective To demonstrate passion and commitment Having placement students as part of the team has other benefits too as it can motivate other younger members of the team to work harder (Stembridge, 2010) To add value to the organisation Their contribution to the planning, organisation and delivery of events allows me as a senior manager to concentrate on more strategic and operational projects and tasks (Lund, 2010) To build a lasting relationship Every student I have taken on placement has returned to me on graduation to take on a junior executive role (Gumbrell, 2010) Return on Investment (ROI) The students can be a very cost effective resource to have with regards to quality and quantity of work that can be produced (Foulkes, 2010)

6 From the Past to the Present and into the Future It is still the case that many placement students are paid at extremely low rates, and they occasionally protest at being treated as ‘slave labour’ (McMahon & Quinn, 1995) Placements/internships are an opportunity to close the gap between college-learned theory and practical reality (Wen-Hwa, 2007)

7 The relationship as it stands – 24 months Theoretical underpinning Supplemented by Practical development Leading to Application and reflection Supporting PPD Volunteering Self Development Differentiation Competitive Advantage Placement experience 40 weeks – 30 hrs p/w Portfolio Final Year Dissertation Extension of relationship Graduate trainee The Student, Organisational and University relationship

8 The future potential of the industrial relationship: The real return on investment Close the gap with education: guest speakers Both parties must be fully committed in order to reap the full benefits Commit to training and development Re-employ as graduates: succession planning and talent management Support dissertations and consultancy projects KTP and CPD projects

9 The Relationship as it should be – 24 months Theoretical underpinning Supplemented by Practical development Leading to Application and reflection Supporting PPD Volunteering Self Development Differentiation Competitive Advantage Guest Speaker programme Placement experience Develop links with current students Greater influence into curriculum design Final Year Dissertation. Consultancy. Application of new Knowledge – Critical thinking Strategic planning Extension of relationship Graduate trainee KTP CPD The Student, Organisational and University relationship Longitudinal Interview Organisational Fit

10 Summary The investment must be explicit from both sides: student commitment and employer training and development Returns should be beyond the placement period Financial benefits are clear Resulting in committed employees of the future

11 References Ayres, H., ‘Education and opportunity as influences on career development: Findings from a preliminary study in eastern Australia tourism’. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Education, 5 (1), Babakus, E, Yavus, U and Avci, O.M.K.T., ‘The effect of management commitment to service quality on employees’ affective and performance outcomes’. Journal of Academy Marketing Science, 31 (3), Foulkes, A., Assistant Manager Operations, Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons. Gumbrell, K., CEO Convivial London Pubs. Lund, C., Visitor Services Manager, Dunster castle and Gardens. McMahon, U and Quinn, U., ‘Maximising the hospitality management student work placement experience: a case study’. Education and Training, 37 (4), Stembridge, A., Managing Director, Chewton Glen Hotel. Wagenheim, M and Anderson, S., ‘Theme park employee satisfaction and customer orientation’. Managing Leisure, 13 (3/4) Wen-Hwa, K., ‘Training, satisfaction with internship programmes, and confidence about future careers among hospitality students: A case study of Universities in Taiwan’. Journal of teaching in Travel and Tourism, 7 (4), 1-17.