Required competencies for employment in the catering industry in Swaziland

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine competencies needed by Home Economics graduates for employment in the catering industry in Swaziland. Respondents for the study were managers of catering institutions in Swaziland and graduating Home Economics students from the University of Swaziland, Luyengo. An interview schedule and a questionnaire were used to collect data. Both instruments were pilot-tested by fourth year Home Economics students at the University of Swaziland, Luyengo and validated by a panel of experts from the Home Economics Department, University of Swaziland, Luyengo. Data were analysed using the SPSS programme to determine frequencies, percentages and standard deviations. The findings showed that both technical and non-technical skills are required in the catering industry. There was a highly significant difference in perceived level of technical and non-technical competencies of graduating home economists in almost all the aspects, before and after enrolment in the B.Sc. Home Economics programme. The B.Sc. in Home Economics curriculum appears to cover a majority of the identified technical and non-technical competencies. Some changes are necessary in order to address all the competencies fully.

UNISWA Jnl of Agric Vol 10 2001: pp 76-85