Page 16 - StudyTravel Magazine August 2024 Issue & Star Awards 2024 Supplement

JOB-READY TRAINING

SPECIAL REPORT

Vocational education that provides
students with job-ready skills and
qualifications are becoming more
sought after by today’s highly focused
international students, as Bethan Norris
finds out.

TERTIARY

he international vocational Colleges Switzer- the necessary
education sector is often fast- land, HIM Business skill set to
Tmoving and highly targeted as School, and Culinary thrive in the
it is linked to changing job markets Arts Academy Swit- international job
and student demand. A snap poll zerland—we’ve seen this market, providing
completed by 134 StudyTravel agents trend firsthand. Our programmes them with relevant

in May this year revealed that are designed to equip students with technical knowledge, soft skills and
vocational courses related to the essential soft skills, such as emo- English language competence through

fields of Business, IT and Hospitality tional intelligence, adaptability, and a highly practical approach.”
were the most sought after by problem-solving, making them highly For many international students,
students in 2024 and vocational desirable in today’s job market.” undertaking a vocational education
providers in these fields report course can be the first step in their

that demand is high as students “International pathway to gain full employment
seek skills that will make them students have and residency in their host country.
desirable in an ever-competitive increasingly turned Andy Tolhurst from Greenwich College
global job market. their attention to www.greenwichcollege.edu.au in
Mimi Zhu from Swiss Education vocational education” Australia, says, “Traditionally our
Group www.swisseducation.com range of Business/Management/
says, “In recent years, interna- Meanwhile in Canada, Vinnie Leadership courses have been popular
tional students have increas- Nobre, Vice-President of Operations for students to build on their skills

ingly turned their attention to at Greystone College www.ilsc.com/ and fields of expertise, but recently
vocational education, seeking greystone-college in Canada, says, it’s been overwhelmingly more our
practical, industry-focused train- “In Canada, we have observed a skills-based Hospitality courses
ing that prepares them for successful consistent increase in the vocational (Kitchen Management) and Health
careers. At the Swiss Education Group sector, especially in programs such as and Care (Aged Care and Community
(SEG), which includes four prestigious Management, Hospitality, Information Services) that are in demand.
institutions in Switzerland—Swiss Technology and Digital Marketing. These courses have attracted
Hotel Management School, Cesar Ritz These programs help students develop the most interest - there’s a

Photos: Swiss Education Group AUGUST 2024 13