Republic Polytechnic (RP) in Singapore has launched a first-of-its-kind Talent Advancement Programme (TAP) which will provide its School of Hospitality (SOH) students with a structured pathway enriched with education and career guidance, on-the-job training, and leadership development modules.
The structured TAP was developed in collaboration with 16 industry partners spanning the events, financial services, and hospitality sectors. These include Accor Asia Pacific; Capella Hotel, Singapore; Constellar Holdings; DHL Supply Chain Singapore; Hilton Singapore; InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG); Koelnmesse; Les Amis Group; Mandarin Oriental, Singapore; Marina Bay Sands; Marriott International; NowComms Asia; Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation; OUE Restaurants; Resorts World Sentosa; and United Overseas Bank.
The pilot run of the TAP targets an intake of 100 students who are keen to join the relevant industries upon graduation. The first batch of SOH students will undergo their work immersion programme in Academic Year 2024.
Full-time students will have regular engagements with industry partners and career counsellors through talks and events during the first year of their diploma. Upon successful placement into the TAP in their second year, students will receive support from a mentor appointed by the company. Mentorship will begin before the student’s early work immersion in their second year. This work immersion can range from part-time roles during weekends to full-time positions during semester breaks. The mentorship will continue during the 40-week structured internship in the student’s final year.
A pivotal TAP aspect is the co-development of a training blueprint with industry partners, outlining key milestones and competencies. Students will rotate across two to three roles within the company and will attend a leadership development workshop designed to equip them with the mindset and skills necessary to lead teams and peers within the industry.
SOH graduates may receive offers of bond-free, full-time employment at a higher position, along with up to 10 per cent additional remuneration, from their internship companies. This initiative ensures graduates are competitively compensated and aims to bolster a talent pipeline to meet the post-lockdown surge.
Jeanne Liew, principal & CEO, Republic Polytechnic, said: “The hospitality sector is a highly contact-intensive service industry, and we have a collective interest with our esteemed partners to reimagine a vibrant learning ecosystem, tapping on the polytechnic’s strength in hospitality to position Singapore as an exciting tourism hub. (TAP) will equip our students with both hard and soft skills to stay ahead of the curve.”
