At the Bled Vocational College practical education is in the focus of lecturers and all employees, particularly at the school hotel Astoria. All students undergo the first, 80-hour part in the premises of the Institution or within the activity conducted by the Institution, while the remaining part of the practical training is done in companies all over Slovenia. More than 100 organisations, hospitality and tourist companies as well as wellness centres are included into our network of companies.
We strive for the highest possible extent of practical education to be done in the school hotel Astoria. First part of practical education in year 1 (80 hours) takes part entirely within the units of the school hotel for the students in both programmes. A major part of students undergoes also the remaining part of practical training (PRI-2) in the school hotel while others go to companies included into our network, scholarship providers, or abroad.
Students of Hospitality and Tourism do their practical education in year 2, the so-called PRI-3 (80 hours), during the academic year as project work (PRI-3, 120 hours in total), while the remaining 40 hours of practical education is conducted within PRI-4 in companies in the period after the lectures have been finished (April – September, 320 hours in total). On the basis of good experience, acquired in the Hospitality and Tourism Programme, the same principle has been introduced for the students of Wellness programme, who do the first part of practical education (80 hours) during the school year as project work. The remaining part is done in companies and in our wellness centre, in accordance with the syllabus.
As a form of project work (PRI-3) for students of both programmes in year 2 special events are organised within practical training, together with the local community and various organisations in the region.
Every year in March a special one-day training is organised for mentors of practical education in companies, included into our network. In addition, we encourage education and teacher training for all employees in MIC for mentor work with students.