KETHA trains students in tourism and hospitality and has partnered with Zaria Court Hotel to provide internship opportunities where students can gain hands-on experience and apply the skills they learn in class.

Students who have undertaken internships at the hotel say the experience has exposed them to a professional working environment, modern equipment and experienced staff.

Irakoze Daic, who works in beverage preparation, said the internship had helped him expand his practical skills.

“First of all, I would like to thank the management of Zaria Court and KETHA for bringing me to this hotel. I gained a lot of knowledge here. I was given the opportunity to work with their equipment, and I also appreciate the staff I worked with. They were very welcoming and we worked well together.”

Mugabekazi Benitha, who works in housekeeping, said the internship enabled her to put her classroom knowledge into practice.

“I thank my school for sending me here. I was well trained, and I am also grateful to Zaria Court for welcoming me and helping me learn more about the work I had studied. I can now put what I learned into practice.”

For some students, the internship has also opened the door to employment. Some of those who complete their training at the hotel are later recruited to join the Zaria Court Hotel Tapestry Collection by Hilton team.

Dr. Alphonse Habimana, Principal and Managing Director of KETHA, said the partnership gives students the practical experience they need to deliver quality services in the hospitality industry.

“We greatly appreciate our partnership with Zaria Court Hotel, which welcomes our students for internships and supports them in developing the skills they need to compete in the job market and provide quality hospitality services.”

He said the experience also helps students develop professionally and increases their ability to compete for jobs after completing their studies.

Christella Mugisha, Training Manager at Zaria Court Hotel, said the programme gives students an opportunity to gain experience in a real workplace, adding that the hotel frequently recruits from its pool of interns.

“At Zaria Court, we do not look for employees elsewhere. We often recruit from among the students who have had the opportunity to undertake internships at our hotel.”

Mugisha said the prospect of gaining practical experience and potentially securing employment encourages students pursuing tourism and hospitality studies to take their training seriously.