Fifty students sat an entrance test in May, with only 15 being accepted for the college’s new courses.
These students are expected to graduate within three years, with the option of further study to gain a diploma or degree.
Sidaporn Sae-eiaw, a student on the English progamme course said, “English language is so important for us because Phuket attracts so many tourists every year. I love English and I am really enjoy learning it.”
Deputy Director Somporn Thaweekan told The Phuket News other students were also enjoying the course and doing well.
“The English programme is taught by native speaking English teachers, to give the Thai students a better education. They will be able to learn English properly and speak it with confidence. And all these courses are free, too,” he said.
“We have high hopes for our students and extend a big thank you to JW Marriott for helping us teach the students, and providing a venue for them,” the other Deputy Director Somsak Chaisoda said.
The Thalang Technical College was transformed into the Phuket Hospitality and Tourism College in May, following approval of government funding of B175 million in March during the mobile Cabinet meeting in Phuket. This funding will be awarded in October.
The college is also looking at approaching other funding sources in order to get the school up and running in its own premises, which will require a total investment of B418 million.
Until then, students are using facilities provided by JW Marriott Mai Khao, including classrooms. The hotel had already agreed to support the proposed hotel course at the college with on-the-job training and advice on courses.
The school is the first of its kind in Phuket, with both diploma and higher diploma courses. The diploma courses include a “mini English programme”, whereby four subjects will be taught in that language. Higher diploma students will be taught exclusively in English.