Identifying the perceived barriers to participation in tertiary education among hospitality employees

Abstract

Reports on an investigation which identified a number of barriers which deter some hospitality industry employees from taking advantage of formal study opportunities. These barriers, which are categorised as informational, situational, financial, institutional or dispositional, need to be examined further if we wish to capitalise on those employees with existing skills in the workforce and develop them to their maximum potential in order to provide a highly educated workforce capable of supplying the standards of service required for continued growth within the sector. Among the implications of this study is a suggestion that tertiary institutions increase access for these potential students by modifying existing arrangements to cater to their special needs. In so doing, institutions might be able to increase the number of experienced industry personnel in their student population, thus enhancing their contribution to the future development of the industry.