Occupational Decision-Making and Career Choice Among School-Leavers in Ireland 2002-2004 with Particular Reference to a Career in the Hotel and Catering Industry

Abstract

The Hotel and Catering Industry is enjoying great expansion in Ireland and as a result it will require additional staffing levels in the coming years.In parallel to this third level institutions are experiencing a shrinking market in terms of second level students and are experiencing severe challenges with student retention.The industry suffers from a poor image and the status of employment within this sector is quite low.The numbers applying for Hotel and Catering Management courses are dropping each year in Ireland.The industry is also haemorrhaging employees at an alarming rate.This exodus and decreasing interest in the industry will result in chronic staff shortages if the expansion predicted materialises.The author embarked on this study for several reasons.One, to establish the reasons for the poor image of the Hotel and Catering Industry among students.Two, to try and establish a model of occupational decision-making in order to assist students become more successful in their career choices.Three, try and ascertain the occupation decision making process in order for third level institutions to become more successful in their marketing efforts by understanding their market.It was anticipated that such information might serve useful in future efforts to improve the image of the sector and gain interest on behalf of students in the industry as a career path.The results of this study indicated that the industry did suffer from a poor image among students.This poor image was due to long unsociable hours, poor pay, and poor working conditions.Perceptions were formed from work experience within the sector and parents and counsellors advice.A model of decision making was developed and presented in the concluding chapter.

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