Inspectors condemn colleges' 'ineffective' tourism courses

COLLEGES training young people for Scotland's multi- billion-pound tourism and hospitality trade have been criticised as ineffective and presiding over declining standards.

An inquiry by education inspectors found that a significant number of students who start hospitality and travel and tourism courses do not come out with qualifications to help them get jobs in the industry.

The HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) report said that few colleges in Scotland had links with business and that the wide range of hospitality qualifications are confusing for students and employers.

The chief executive of Scotland's tourism body said increased investment was needed to support training.

Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland chief executive, said: "Tourism investment and growth is the sustainable bedrock of the Scottish economy.

"The industry pays the wages of more than 200,000 people in Scotland, with many of those jobs in rural areas where other opportunities are limited. Undoubtedly increased investment and support will increase jobs.".

An MSP yesterday hit out at some courses which did not measure up in supporting Scotland's tourism industry, which is worth 4 billion a year to the country's economy.

North East Tory MSP Alex Johnstone said the standards of some courses were also worthless for the Scottish food and drink industry.

He said "I have argued for better standards and qualifications in the hospitality sector for years. It is not acceptable to offer courses that are worthless to students, employers and the industry in general"

The report from HMIE said attainment rates for learners on full-time courses are declining and some students fail to see the relevance of skills taught to them on courses.

Inspectors also said: "Arrangements in some colleges for tracking learner progression destinations are ineffective."

The report went on to say: "Few colleges have developed links with employers which facilitate and support work experience opportunities for learners."

However, the report said that many tourism and hospitality courses were popular.

A spokesman for Scotland's Colleges said: "This is a comprehensive report and colleges in Scotland will want time to consider all its findings and recommendations in detail."

The Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council said it was working to "support skills and research and in helping colleges and universities to match industry needs".