'Training and career progression in tourism establishments in Malta'

Abstract

This research focuses on training as one of the functions of human resources management; the following text seeks to explore the importance of training employees. Through various sources; books, internet and questionnaires, the general findings are: the value of training in a tourism establishment, the problems that arise due to lack of training and the reasons why some tourism establishments do not focus enough on training. These theories suggest certain possible reasons why a number of establishments give more importance to training than others and the difference in the well being of employees from one tourism establishment to another as a result of training. The overall aim of this research is to find out possible reasons for the training problem in various tourism establishments in Malta and if the lack of training is one of the reasons why many Maltese students and/or employees may not continue to pursue a career in tourism. Ultimately this research sets out to perceive whether a career in tourism establishments in Malta could be determined by the level of training given to employees. Through this research, using questionnaires tailored particularly for students as well as employees, the findings were that students studying tourism at University as well as the Institute of Tourism Studies in Malta feel that they are trained, III however, not enough for the industry's requirements and lecturers should be able to give training increased importance. Employees believe that thorough training is essential for their well being at the place of work: to motivate them to work professionally and most importantly receive job satisfaction. Students feel that not enough training is given and that the lack of appropriate training may be one of the main reasons why a great number of employees are working solely for a wage and not because they achieve job satisfaction or seek to establish a career in the tourism industry.