If you've been curious, or actually considering a career in hospitality, then you would have heard of Republic Polytechnic (RP).
Not only is it renowned for training many hospitality professionals here, but it's also the only polytechnic so far which has not only a dedicated school, but full-fledged diploma programmes for different aspects of the industry.
And this time, they've raised the bar for hospitality education higher than before.
What is the Talent Advancement Programme?
The recently-announced Talent Advancement Programme (TAP) at Republic Polytechnic in Singapore is a specialized initiative designed for students in the School of Hospitality.
Developed in collaboration with leading industry partners, TAP provides students with a structured pathway that includes mentorship from industry professionals, hands-on work immersion through part-time roles and internships, and leadership development workshops.
In short, it's a very structured manner of making sure students get appropriate industry exposure and career opportunities in the sector.
How did RP raise the bar for Hospitality Education?
The best thing that any tertiary education institution can do is to secure career pathways for students after graduation.
After all, the goal of attending tertiary education is to obtain skills for a good job in the future, yes?
And as informed observers of higher education here in Singapore, we recognise the importance of practical, industry-aligned education for those embarking on this career path.
As such, the TAP is a thoughtfully designed initiative that caters to the needs of Singaporean students aspiring to succeed in hospitality.
To be specific, here are five key ways through which TAP can be a valuable asset in your educational journey:
Industry-Aligned Curriculum
The program's curriculum is crafted in partnership with leading industry players, ensuring that what you learn is not only current but also directly applicable in real-world settings.
While this doesn't mean they forgo theory entirely, it means you can see these theories in action a lot more than other external courses.
This alignment with industry standards is critical, as it ensures you are learning skills that will be immediately useful in your future workplace.
Practical Experience Through Work Immersion
TAP places a strong emphasis on hands-on experience.
The work immersion aspect of the program, which includes part-time roles and a comprehensive 40-week internship, is therefore invaluable.
In addition, it's not like their list of industry partners is anything to scoff at, either.
These partnerships span across various sectors, providing a diverse range of experiences for students.
Some of the notable industry partners involved in the program 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
- United Overseas Bank
To find out more about these partners, we've linked to all of them above.
This wide range of partners underscores the program's commitment to offering students a comprehensive and real-world understanding of the hospitality industry.
Mentorship from Industry Experts
One of the program’s strengths is the opportunity to be mentored by experienced professionals.
This mentorship is a bridge between academic learning and professional practice, offering personalized guidance, industry insights, and career advice that can shape your professional trajectory.
Focus on Leadership and Soft Skills
The hospitality industry values not just technical knowledge but also leadership and interpersonal skills.
TAP's leadership development workshops are designed to nurture these skills, preparing you for future managerial roles and helping you develop the ability to lead and inspire teams.
Pathway to Employment Opportunities
Upon completion of the program, you may find enhanced job prospects, with the potential for offers from your internship placements.
This is a testament to the program’s effectiveness in preparing you for the industry and the value that employers place on the practical experience and skills you gain through TAP.
Final Thoughts
In essence, TAP at Republic Polytechnic’s School of Hospitality offers a comprehensive and practical pathway for students to launch and advance their careers in the dynamic world of hospitality.
The program’s strengths lie in its industry-aligned curriculum, with emphasis on hands-on experience through work immersion which equips students with the practical skills and real-world understanding necessary for success in the hospitality sector.
As such, if you are passionate about a career in hospitality and value practical, industry-aligned learning with professional mentorship, SOH's TAP could be a great choice.
However, prospective students should consider their career goals, educational preferences, and readiness for the commitment and pace of the hospitality industry before enrolling.
In any case, keep levelling up!
