“We’re not slaves – we are actually the future!” A follow-up study of apprentices’ experiences in the Norwegian hospitality industry

Abstract

This study addresses the socialisation processes taking place during the apprenticeship period within the hospitality industry, searching for explanations of drop-out and early staff turnover in the personal, social and educational experiences of the apprentices during their organisational socialisation process and vocational training. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, the first carried out 5–7 months after starting the apprenticeship and the second after 20–22 months The informants, N = 11, were of ages 17–19 years. The apprentices held high expectations to their own professional development, to be treated with respect and care, followed up and included in the group. Not all expectations were met. Unfortunately, unacceptable treatment, lack of challenging and varied tasks of interaction with the supervisors and of inclusion and follow-up from the employer, were reported, increasing the likelihood that they would change their career due to negative experiences from the learning processes. The findings challenge the industry, the schools and their interaction by showing the need for providing positive experiences and changing the educational philosophies and practices applied for apprentices in the industry.

Keywords:

• socialisation
• apprenticeship
• hotel
• restaurant
• expectations
• experience