IDM Partners with Avani Resort and Casino

Monday, June 11, 2018 - 14:30

Institute of Development Management (IDM) is connecting its graduates with industry professionals to give them practical experience and further create job opportunities for them as they enter the world of work.

IDM Senior Consultant under Business & Information Resource Management’s Travel & Tourism programme, Catherine Kebakile says IDM recently entered into a partnership with one of the well-recognised hospitality businesses in Botswana, Avani Resort and Casino for Institute’s third year students to do their practicums and get industry exposure.

As tourism in Botswana continues to grow, contributing positively towards the diversification of the economy, IDM has seen the need to play a meaningful role in equipping learners with relevant skills by designing and delivering the Travel & Tourism programme.

According to Ms Kebakile, the partnership with Avani entails providing a safe and structured industry placement experience and give them appropriate training to apply their theoretical knowledge into practice. She said learners will have the opportunity to work and interact with professionals and gain expertise on the field. The agreement will also see Avani hotel conducting guest lectures at IDM to add practical aptitude and flavour to the programme.
Students have also been offered employment opportunities when they graduate depending on the number of positions available as well as individual performance.

“This is a step in the right direction for our learners as it prepares them to be absorbed in the market once they graduate. It is also commendable that IDM does not only offer marketable programmes, but also gives students a solid learning experience to ready them for the world of work,” she said, adding that they recently had Avani General Manager Riaan Van Rooyen as a guest lecturer during one of their lessons.

IDM Botswana Country Director, Dr Onalenna Seitio-Kgokgwe says IDM Travel and Tourism programme aims to equip graduates with travel, hospitality and tourism skills and assist them to have a competitive advantage here in Botswana and internationally.

“The programme is designed for aspiring individuals wishing to enhance their business skills while learning about the dynamics of tourism and hospitality as one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and sustainable economic sectors,” she said.
The four-year programme focuses on the business of tourism and hospitality, its role in post- industrial economies, the business inter-relationships between destinations, modes of travel, hotels and visitor attractions, and the crucial role of marketing and management in successful tourism and hospitality enterprises.