Generally, the terms “Internship” and “Attachment” are used interchangeably but in actual fact, the two are different. An internship is a short-term working experience that gives you hands-on experience in your field or organization of interest. It is usually offered by organizations or companies as an entry-level position or as a program for students or persons with little or no experience in a profession, and in many cases, it is done at free will by those interested, with or without pay. On the other hand, an attachment is an examinable, short-term work experience that many higher learning institutions require students to undergo as part of the coursework and a requirement for them to graduate.
The main differences between internships and attachments therefore are:-
- Internships are open to both students and those seeking work experience whereas to be on attachment, one must be a student.
- Internships are done at free will but attachments are a course requirement to qualify for graduation.
- Those on internship are supervised by company supervisors only, while those on attachment are supervised by both the company supervisors and supervisors from their learning institutions.
With this understanding, we can confidently state that all Kenya Utalii College students undergo Industrial Attachment for a period ranging between three and six months depending on the courses they are taking. This is achieved through the Institution’s partnership and collaboration with the Alumni Association (KUCAA), Industry Players, and other Hospitality and Tourism stakeholders.
IMPORTANCE OF ATTACHMENT PROGRAMS TO KENYA UTALII COLLEGE, AS A TRAINING INSTITUTION:
The Kenya Utalii College’s core mandate is to develop highly qualified and globally competitive human resources for the hospitality and tourism industry.
In line with this, the College offers specialized hands-on training in courses within that field including:-
- 3 years Diploma course in Hotel Management.
- 3 years Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management.
- 1½ years Certificate in Tour guiding and Administration.
- 1½ years Certificate in Travel operations.
- 1½ years Certificate in Front office operations.
- 1½ years Certificate in Food Production.
- 1½ years Certificate in Housekeeping and laundry.
- 1½ years Certificate in Food and Beverage Service and sales.
In addition to intensified classwork, students undergo rigorous practical training within the institution’s well-equipped laboratories and the Utalii hotel, before they are finally released into the industry for an attachment program in their respective fields of specialization; towards completion of the training program and the subsequent graduation. These attachment programs are mandatory and a prerequisite for the successful completion of each course.
As a College, it would not be possible for us to fulfill our mandate were it not for our highly valued stakeholders who provide ample attachment positions for our large number of students each year. We, therefore, take this opportunity to sincerely thank the management of all hotels, airlines, tours and travel companies, hospitals, and all other private or government-owned organizations that offer attachment opportunities to our students. Our joint effort will hasten the recovery of the hospitality and tourism industry which has previously been globally devastated by the covid-19 scourge.
IMPORTANCE OF ATTACHMENT PROGRAMS TO KENYA UTALII COLLEGE STUDENTS:
Attachment programs provide students with a wealth of benefits. These include an opportunity for students to learn outside the routine classroom setups, and away from their usual learning institutions. The learning is authentic, hands-on, and interactive, and thereby creates learning enthusiasm and provides a real-world context and exposure to their chosen field. The students benefit from improved engagement and self-esteem, as well as, personal, social, and emotional development.
Students are able to apply the theory, skills and concepts learnt at the College, in professional environments. As a result, they get an opportunity to develop and hone technological and professional skills that promote industry growth and development.
A scholar, Prof. Alexander Lowry, explains that students get an opportunity to ‘test drive’ their career and can utilize the opportunity to showcase their worth as potentially good employees and thereby enhance the possibility of acquiring employment.
They get an opportunity to network and establish valuable connections within their career of choice.
In addition, students get to gain the highly sort after work-experience.
IMPORTANCE OF ATTACHMENT PROGRAMS TO ORGANIZATIONS:
It has been proven the world over, that students are not the only ones who benefit from attachments. Employers also benefit from these programs in many ways.
With some orientation and supervision from employees, students on attachment provide an extra set of hands that help accomplish organizational goals and objectives. The company will thus use the services of talented individuals without having to make a hiring commitment.
Attachés, being knowledgeable and fresh blood in your business can open up an opportunity for fresh perspectives on your business, strategies, and plans; if included in brainstorming sessions and encouraged them to speak up in meetings.
From experience, youth from one generation to another keep advancing in being tech-savvy. If you involve attachés in your social strategy and seek their feedback, the company will benefit from its social media presence.
Employment interviews may not quite review the best employee for all those being interviewed always put their best foot forward to impress the interview panel. Attachment however allows the employer to observe, evaluate talent, and finally choose a person who will work out well as an employee. You, therefore, get to hire someone whose performance you already know.
The program offers an opportunity for your employees to connect, interact and mentor college students on completing tasks, accomplishing goals, and being responsible. In return, this will build strong morale in your employees and give them a sense of being strong leaders.
The company gets an opportunity to expose and introduce young professionals to their brand.
WHY SHOULD YOU ENGAGE KENYA UTALII COLLEGE STUDENTS FOR ATTACHMENT PROGRAMS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Kenya Utalii College sincerely appreciates all our partners who provide attachment opportunities to our students and takes this opportunity to encourage those who may not be in this bracket to try them out.
Before admitting students, the College conducts rigorous written and oral interviews with prospects to ensure that we admit only the best candidates, who must also meet specified minimum KCSE qualifications.
In the course of training, the students are given much exposure and insight through orientation programs, motivational talks, and compulsory educational field trips. These expand the students’ worldview, improves their critical thinking, reinforce classroom material and also bring about greater bonds between teachers and students, thus encouraging them to learn.
Students further utilize the institution’s wide range of training facilities including the application Utalii hotel, a demonstration kitchen, an individual training kitchen, a demonstration restaurant and bar, a computerized training reception, a large laundry with dry cleaning facilities, language laboratories, and a computer laboratory among other facilities for theoretical and practical training. They also use the well-equipped Library for research work. Each student must be fluent in both spoken and written English and must also learn at least one language from amongst French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese.
In addition, the College entrenches professionalism, integrity, commitment, positive attitude, and good personal grooming; which are essential qualities in the foundation of success in the Hospitality industry.
In summary, the students are well-grounded and fully equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively perform duties and responsibilities assigned to them in their respective professions.