Republic Polytechnic (RP) announced at its annual Open House event that it has launched a first-of-its-kind Talent Advancement Programme (TAP) tailored for students in the School of Hospitality (SOH). Developed in collaboration with 16 esteemed industry partners spanning events, financial services, and hospitality sectors, this structured TAP aims to empower SOH students to realise their full potential. The initial run of TAP is set to enrol 100 students eager to venture into relevant industries upon graduation.

The launch, graced by Guest-of-Honour, Second Minister for Education, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, marked a significant step in providing SOH students with a structured pathway enriched with education and career guidance, assignment of an industry mentor, short job stints prior to internship, on-the-job training, and a leadership development workshop.

Throughout the first year of their hospitality diploma, full-time students will engage regularly with industry partners and career counsellors through talks and events. The industry exposure enables them to cultivate their passion while keeping abreast of the latest developments in the events, financial services, or hospitality sector. Successful placement into TAP in the second year ensures students receive support from a mentor appointed by the company before the student's early work immersion in their second year – a period ranging from part-time roles on weekends to full-time positions during semester breaks. The inaugural batch of SOH students will undergo their work immersion programme in Academic Year 2024. 
 
The mentorship will continue during the 40-week structured internship in the student’s final year, mirroring internship models at renowned American and European universities with hospitality courses. A pivotal aspect of TAP involves co-development of a training blueprint with industry partners, outlining key milestones and competencies. Students will rotate across two to three roles within the company, broadening their competencies and enhancing life skills. Additionally, students will attend a leadership development workshop designed to equip them with the mindset and skills necessary to lead teams and peers within the industry.

Recognising the specialised skillsets and extensive experience gained through TAP, SOH graduates may receive offers of bond-free, full-time employment at a higher position, along with up to 10% additional remuneration, from their internship companies. This initiative ensures graduates are competitively compensated and aims to bolster a talent pipeline to meet the post-pandemic surge in these sectors. According to the Singapore Tourism Board, visitor arrivals for 2023 are estimated to range from 12 to 14 million, and tourism receipts expected to reach $18 to $21 billion. The hotel industry also accounted for more than 20% of total tourism receipts in 2022 and is the sector’s biggest employer with 30,000 individuals.  

Ms Jeanne Liew, Principal & Chief Executive Officer of Republic Polytechnic, highlighted the polytechnic’s commitment in preparing students for a future workforce that faces greater disruption and faster pace of work skills obsolescence. “The hospitality sector is a highly contact-intensive service industry, and we have a collective interest with our esteemed partners to reimagine a vibrant learning ecosystem, tapping on the polytechnic’s strength in hospitality to position Singapore as an exciting tourism hub. The unique and multifaceted Talent Advancement Programme will equip our students with both hard and soft skills to stay ahead of the curve.”