Tertiary students and Singaporean jobseekers will soon be able to get work experience in a hotel in exchange for a staycation, the outcome of a collaboration between Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Singapore Hotel Association (SHA), and 15 hotels in the city.
The 10-day Work for a Stay programme is part of efforts to help the industry build a strong pipeline of talent and a future-ready workforce, while providing quality career opportunities for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, according to an STB statement.
Participants will be exposed to the day-to-day work operations and culture of the hotel industry in a way that allows them to better understand the job scope and skills required in the industry.
Their participation will span across functions such as housekeeping, front office, banquet, among others. Tasks can range from attending to guests’ ad-hoc requests to making special arrangements and preparations for events.
Additionally, participants will receive a training allowance and a one-night hotel stay upon completing the programme. Meals and uniforms will also be provided.
“We also felt that the concept of working for a staycation would appeal more to millennials, who treasure unique experiences,” added Ong Huey Hong, director of Hotels and Sector Manpower, STB.
STB’s Work for a Stay programme is supported by Workforce Singapore (WSG)’s Work Trial. Lynn Ng, group director of WSG’s Careers Connect Group stated the programme could help address missed matches in the labour market and connect jobseekers to hiring employers in the hospitality industry.
The Work for a Stay programme is also part of the Hotel Careers Campaign, which was launched in July 2017 by STB, SHA, Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union and the hotel industry.
The programme runs from December 11, 2017 to March 30, 2018; and applications close on February 28, 2018. Interested applicants can visit http://workforahotel.sg/ to apply and find out more, or contact WSG’s Careers Connect.
