Hospitality and Housekeeping

This department provides training in a range of vocational skills associated with working in the service industries. The training programme introduces important work disciplines and skills, including health and safety at work and personal hygiene and appearance. Much of the work of the department focuses on two main areas: food service and housekeeping.

Instruction is given in all aspects of food service, including food hygiene, storage and preparation of service items, preparation and cleaning of dining areas, serving food and drink, washing up and safe disposal of waste. The course also covers the development of effective working relationships and customer care skills.

The housekeeping component of the course includes basic cleaning and the safe use of materials and equipment, in both work and domestic situations. Students receive practical training and assessment in servicing furnished and bathroom areas, working alongside experienced housekeeping staff.

In addition, the department offers training in fire procedures, money handling and payment and the importance of colour-coded equipment in the workplace.

Throughout their course, students work in different locations on campus, including the Orangery Restaurant, in residences and in the College's meeting rooms. Each location has a module as an integral part of the training programme. Students also receive a period of departmental work experience in the Coffee Bar, in Kelly's Bar in the evenings or in the Orangery at weekends.

The Hospitality and Housekeeping Department offers certification in:

• CIEH Foundation Certificate of Food Hygiene
• NPTC Certificate in Skills for Working Life in Hotel Housekeeping
• NPTC Certificate in Skills for Working Life in Dining Area Service
• NVQ Housekeeping Levels 1 and 2
• NVQ Food and Drink Service Levels 1 and 2
• ETB Welcome Host Award
• OCN Unit in Understanding Basic Customer Service