Industry placements form an integral and extremely valuable part of the ICHM program. ICHM works with over 400 hotels around the world to ensure our students have access to the best training opportunities available.

Industry placements offer:

• The ability to put into practice the skills and knowledge learnt in the classroom.
• In-depth on-the-job experience in a variety of different roles.
• Insight into the world of work and the responsibilities it involves.
• Realistic experiences of the hotel industry in a variety of places.
• Experience different company cultures, systems & work practices.
• Valuable work references.
• An insight into a range of career paths.
• Personal growth and independence.
• Networking opportunities.
• Access to internal job vacancies.

Process
The ITD process begins early in the prior academic semester. Students are required to list three destination preferences on their industry placement request form. ICHM’s ITD Managers research the positions at suitable hotels and related organisations.

The ITD Managers then formally apply for the positions on behalf of students. The requirements will vary across hotels; some will require face-to-face or telephone interviews with the hotels having final decision on employment.

Position
Students are required to undertake one industry placement in Food and Beverage and one in an area other than Food and Beverage. This follows the Swiss Hotel Association’s philosophy that it is important to learn the industry from the ground up and the belief that a good hotel manager has a broad understanding of core hotel operations through multi-skilling. As a result, most industry placement positions are entry level, allowing students to learn as much as possible about the “why” and “how” of hotel operations.

Students are also expected to observe, understand, question and analyse all aspects of the hotel from their insider vantage point. By applying lateral thinking and course knowledge, students should also identify and prepare strategies for operational improvements.
Some hotels will rotate students through a variety of positions, while others prefer students to remain within one department. In their third industry placement, students can explore other roles offered by the hotels.

Not all students will be placed in 5-star international hotels. International standard, full service hotels, boutique hotels, resorts, wineries and various other hospitality operations are selected for their extremely valuable undergraduate training.

ICHM aims to find industry placements for all students in positions deemed suitable to fulfil the requirements of the course.

Location
ICHM works with a network of over 400 hotels around the world to place students, though most students choose to undertake at least one industry placement in Australia.

Students may be required to speak the language of their requested country. Where an industry placement is a student’s first real job, it is recommended that they choose to stay in Australia or their home country so assistance from ICHM or their family is nearby if required.

ICHM encourages students to keep their career goals in mind when choosing locations. International work experience is valued by employers. Some countries may require visas for entry. Students are responsible for organising their own visas.

There are limits to the number of students we can place in some properties and locations, so sometimes the student’s first choice cannot be accommodated.

Earnings & Expenses
As a rule, ICHM places students in paid positions. Wage rates will vary from country to country. As a guide, for each industry placement semester students in previous years have typically earned between A$8,000 and A$12,000 in Australia; a total of approximately A$20,000 - A$40,000 during their degree studies. Students may have opportunities to work extra shifts to earn more. However the student must account for tax, accommodation including bond, transport, meals and entertainment as well as travel to and from the industry placement location. Thus the student could clear A$2,000 to A$4,000 per placement semester.
Some hotels will provide accommodation, particularly in remote locations, however in most cases students will need to arrange their own accommodation. While it is ICHM’s preferred policy to place students in paid positions, from time to time students request to be placed in countries which do not pay “trainee” employees. Students considering specific industry placement offers will have ample opportunity to assess the conditions and expected earnings before accepting the offer.

­­Duration
Each student is required to satisfactorily complete a minimum of 1500 hours of undergraduate industry placement.

Some students can achieve this in two 20 to 24 week industry placement semesters, while others undertake a third, or fourth placement or Work Based Project.

Unless undertaking language study, the additional industry placements or Research Project is popular with students as a gateway to a career.

Monitoring
The  ITD Team keeps in touch with students by phone and email. Newsletters are also regularly sent to students. Most students in Australia are visited by their ITD Manager, and at times overseas where possible.

­­­Assessment
Employers are required to assess students across a variety of performance measures whilst on industry placement. Students often obtain references from their supervisors or managers and must also complete an industry placement report for assessment by the ITD Managers.

This in-depth report covers an analysis of the hotel property, marketing, organisational structure, management style and other key areas. Reports also include the student’s positions and experiences, plus advice on accommodation, transport and general living giving an invaluable reference for other ICHM students.

Joined ITD 7 years ago, having had international hotel experience in the UK. Aida has worked within the Human Resource Departments of several large hospitality organisations.

Has extensive hotel experience in a variety of departments; and more than 11 years with ICHM underpinning her role as an ITD Manager.

Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Dubai, UAE
“Words can’t describe the experience and exposure that working for one of the world’s most luxurious hotel chains has given me. This opportunity was all made possible through the ICHM industry placement program and the constant support of the ITD team!”

Hilton South Wharf, Melbourne, Australia
“The time spent at Hilton Melbourne South Wharf has been an invaluable learning experience. It has shown me what ‘the real world’ is like, helping me set the foundation for my career.”

Grand Hyatt, Shanghai, China
“Shanghai has taught me so much! I not only gained professional experience at an amazing property, but living in this city and coping with challenging situations made me grow as a person. ICHM’s support during my industry placement made it better as well!”

Ritz Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
“The Ritz Carlton brand openly welcomed me to be a part of their team. Thank you ITD team for offering me the opportunity to work with one of the most prestigious leader of the hotel industry!”

Shanghai Le Royal Meridien, China
“Shanghai Le Royal Meridien has been an amazing and challenging experience, I’m loving every moment in Starwood!”

Ritz-Carlton, Jakarta Pacific Place, Indonesia
“It was an outstanding experience interning with the Ritz - Carlton Jakarta Pacific Place.  By working hard, I was able to gain a lot of knowledge from the different areas within Human Resources Department.  It was great to know I had help and support from the ITD team, throughout my internship”