Expectations of a first job : young people's and employer's perceptions in the catering and hospitality industry in Malta

Abstract

The research is intended to create a deeper understanding of young people's and employer's perceptions of a first job. It analyses aspects in the school to work transition of young people: employment, unemployment, job awareness, job search, job attainment and on the job experiences, and it views whether young people's experiences of a first job actually match their expectations. It also looks into whether their skill levels match their first employment, and analyses the types of first-time jobs. The study also views employers' expectations and perceptions regarding issues concerning recruitment of new labour market entrants, training and development procedures and employee retention. Focus is placed on the Catering and Hospitality Industry (Hotels, Restaurants and Catering Establishments) as a major sector, and as a main employer of young people and teenagers. A qualitative approach is taken to analyse 'Expectations of a first job within the Catering and Hospitality Industry in Malta'. The snowball method was used to achieve the appropriate sample group, which group comprised management and young employees within both large and small firms. Two separate semi-structured and open-ended interview schedules, one for employers and one for youth, were purposely designed for the study. Findings reveal that the needs of the Catering and Hospitality Industry are complementary to those of young people. The fact that the Catering and Hospitality Industry requires a workforce that is both skilled and unskilled serves to facilitate young people's access to the labour market. The industry offers part-time seasonal work that is convenient for students and individuals who intend to further their studies. From the industry's perspective, apart from employing its core staff, the sector also offers part-time casual contracts to satisfy its seasonal demands. The industry is also found to employ young people and foreigners as it does not have alternative choices to fill certain posts. Young people are also recruited in order lo portray a youthful corporate image. Findings reveal that for young people entry within the labour market is not a simple task. Lack of direction in terms of career guidance is evident, and the· importance of social and person.al development, skill attainment and occupational awareness is brought to the foreground as young people relate their experiences. The importance of Human Resource Development and Training is emphasized by both employers and youth, and findings further portray the necessity of improving work conditions within the sector. The data collected through the qualitative method reveals similarities to other research findings in the field, which in turn shows the relevance of the findings in this research to the Maltese context.