Career Paths for Hospitality Services Students

The hospitality industry offers a diverse range of careers to hospitality services graduates. They may find entry-level positions in visitor information services, safety and sanitation, accommodation booking, dining room operations, beverage services, front-office operations.

High school students interested in building careers in hospitality should know that there are two sides of hospitality operations – one, front-line work where they need to interact with people and deal with customers with a smiling face; and two, back-office operations where they will need to work in kitchen or safety and sanitation.

Career Paths for Hospitality Students

• Front Office Operations: Dealing directly with customers, either face-to-face or on phone, is an important aspect of front-office operations. Individuals working in these positions are responsible for making accommodation reservations, reviewing reservation information, helping guests check in, billing and check out, making travel arrangements, taking order for and serving food, etc.

• Back-Office Operations: Back office operations include food preparation and plating, manpower planning, kitchen operations, inventory management, cost control, hospitality accounting, purchasing and storage, budgeting and finance and safety and sanitation. Individuals engaged in back-end operations don’t need to interact with customers frequently. They are responsible for organizing and managing hotel/restaurant operations.
  

In small organizations, hospitality management professionals may need to handle both front and back-end operations. When guests are not around, they are engaged in checking places where guests don’t go or maintain accounts. They may also be responsible for identifying the requirements and placing orders with the suppliers.

Hospitality Services Education

But no matter what side of the industry interests them, they will need to have undergone some kind of post-secondary hospitality program and developed certain skills and attitudes. Although it’s not necessary to be formally qualified to work in an unorganized sector but to build a rewarding career in organized sector, a post-secondary diploma in hospitality is mandatory.

Centennial College’s hospitality services program prepares students for both front-end and back-end operations in hospitality industry. This one-year program offers them a solid understanding of major hospitality functions and skills required for seeking employment in the industry.

Students will gain in-depth understanding in visitor information services, beverage services, room attendant, front of the house operations, safety and sanitation and kitchen and dining room operations. The program is delivered by experienced faculty members, who also teach job seeking techniques and job interview and resume skills.

In addition to this, they will spend two-days-a-week in a placement at a restaurant or hotel throughout the program tenure. It will give them the practical experience to complement the theory learned in class, gain work experience in a real world setting, and develop relevant industry contacts for future references.

The hospitality college also offers students an opportunity to take certification exams in sanitation and beverage services, helping graduates strengthening their confidence and skills to work into this industry.

Program Eligibility

In order to apply to post-secondary hospitality courses, students must have:

• Secondary school diploma or equivalent or mature student status (19 years or older)
• Completed Grade 12 workplace level English

Information on One-Year Post-Secondary Hospitality Services Program

If you’re one of those who can serve people with a smiling face and unswerving commitment, hospitality industry may be right up your alley. The opportunities exist in front and back-of-the-house.

The hospitality industry offers a wide range of careers to young people who are cheerful, well-groomed and can make people feel comfortable. It covers a wide range of fields, including food and beverage, bartending, kitchen operations, recreation and entertainment, accommodation, safety and sanitation and dining room operations.

Hospitality industry is constantly growing, which means there is a huge demand for professionals across all hospitality sectors. Therefore, current is the right time to build careers in this industry. Numerous hospitality courses are available throughout Toronto that can help you gain the knowledge and skills required to seek employment in the industry. However, Centennial College’s program in hospitality services prepares you for the world of work in just one year. It is a short yet comprehensive program that gives you a broad based knowledge of the industry.

The program curriculum offers variety and covers all aspects of hospitality industry. It runs through two semesters and covers a wide range of subjects, including communication skills for hospitality service workers, front of the house agent, room attendant, visitor information services, beverage services, safety and sanitation, kitchen and dining room operations, hospitality math and life skills and job readiness.

The USP of this program is that it incorporates two field placements, one in each semester. It not only helps you put your learning into practice but also gives you industry exposure and relevant industry contacts that can be used as references in future.

The Centennial Difference

• The hospitality college also has a fully-functional restaurant laboratory. This allows you to gain hands-on training on regular basis within the college campus.
• The course is delivered by knowledgeable and experienced faculty with strong academic and industry backgrounds.
• Special emphasis is given on helping students gain front office, housekeeping and kitchen operations skills.
• The program has strong employment prospects.
• You are also taught job seeking techniques, such as interview and resume skills.
• Employment opportunities exist both locally and across Canada.
  
  

However, you should remember that the one-year program in hospitality management prepares you only for entry-level jobs. If you’re looking for more advanced career opportunities, you may consider enrolling in advanced diploma or degree program in hospitality, tourism or kitchen management.

You may also consider pursuing your career right after completing this program and gain substantial experience before enrolling for further studies. By that time, you’ll explore your specific career interests and can apply for an advanced program in the area of your choice.

Eligibility Criteria for One-Year Hospitality Services Program

For being able to apply to this program, you must have secondary school diploma certificate or equivalent, or mature student status. With this, you must have completed Grade 12 Workplace level English. However, fulfilling these requirements doesn’t guarantee your admission in this program. You will be granted admission basis your grades in secondary school.

Hospitality Services Program Offers Speedy Entry Into the Workforce

Centennial College offers a range of programs that are specifically designed for students who are seeking an education that will allow them to launch their career in a short amount of time. These programs are typically two semesters long and result in an Ontario College Certificate.

Once such offering at Centennial College is Hospitality Services — which is facilitated from the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culture. All students need to apply to this offering is an interest in the hospitality industry and an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older). It is also recommended that students have completed Grade 12 Workplace level English.

Students don’t necessarily have to know which area of hospitality courses or hospitality management they ultimately wish to end up in. Whether their interest lies in working with people, leading a team, interacting with the public, or working independently, this program offers topics that lead to careers that will appeal to anyone. Among these careers are: a room attendant, front desk clerk, food server, cook or a worker in the maintenance department of a hotel.

Courses in the program focus on food and beverage services, kitchen operations, housekeeping and front office skills through courses such as: Front of the House Agent, Room Attendant, Introduction to Math, Visitor Information Services, Safety and Sanitation, Life Skills and Job Readiness, and more. Students learn from faculty members who have experience in the industry and lead them through hands-on practice. Classes are facilitated from Progress Campus, which boasts not only a commercial kitchen with all the most modern tools of the trade but also a “living lab” restaurant and a conference centre that is run by students.

Despite the short length of this hospitality college program, students still get to enjoy a real world experience. This is facilitated through two field placements. Students spend two days a week in a placement at a restaurant or hotel, which gives them the practical experience to complement the theory learned in class. The field experience also serves as a way to connect students with the industry and professionals who may become part of the network to which students can turn once they graduate.

In addition to their hospitality courses, students also have the opportunity to take certification exams in Sanitation and Beverage Services, thus graduating with the confidence and required skills to work in this industry. Thanks to the respected training they receive, students have been hired by respected and well known companies that include: Swiss Chalet, Chartwells, Kelsey’s, Shoeless Joe’s, Boston Pizza, Moxie’s and Travel Lodge. The skills students learn are applicable both locally and across Canada.

Hospitality Services Program Prepares You for Diverse Careers in Hospitality

If you’re considering a career in hospitality, this is perhaps the best time to get into the world of work. The industry offers numerous job opportunities in a variety of sectors, including food and beverages, accommodation, tourism, event management, kitchen operations, purchases and cost control, safety and sanitation and so on, at all levels of management.

The demand for hospitality professionals has increased significantly in the past few years. Despite this, the job market has grown more competitive. It’s really difficult to build a rewarding career in this field without any specialized education. If you’ve earned a diploma, certification or a degree program in hospitality management, you can find a decent paying job with a reputable organization.

Hospitality Courses in Toronto

Centennial College Toronto offers numerous post-secondary and post-graduate hospitality courses. However, if you aim to quickly get to the world of work, you may consider enrolling in a one-year post-secondary hospitality services program. It is short yet intensive course that provides you training through classroom instruction, and two-days-per-week industry placement in each semester. You not only gain solid theoretical grounding in front desk operations, housekeeping, beverage and food services, but you also get practical hands-on experience to complement your theoretical understanding.

The one-year program runs through two semesters and covers a wide range of subjects. The first semester introduces you to must-have communication skills for hospitality service workers. With this, you build strong fundamentals in visitor information services, room attendant and “Front of the House Agent”. You’re also taught basic Math for hospitality and gain life skills. The second semester focuses on beverage services, safety and sanitation, and kitchen and dining room operations.

The Centennial Difference

The hospitality college offer numerous additional benefits to you.

• The program is delivered by knowledgeable faculty who have strong academic and industry backgrounds.
• You’re also taught job seeking techniques, including job interview and resume skills.
• The program also includes much-required computer training.
• You also have the opportunity to take certification exams in Beverage Services and Sanitation.
• The program opens doors to numerous front and backend job opportunities and offers strong employment prospects. In addition, you can look forward to job opportunities, both locally and internationally, in kitchen operations; beverage services front desk operations and food service.
• The college has a restaurant laboratory where you can gain hands-on training and put your learning into practice.

The hospitality program offers variety within the curriculum, which leads to employment in different sectors of this industry. You may find employment with hotels, restaurants, resorts, camps, travel companies, event management companies, travel lodges, and so on.

Enrollment Guide

This program is open for students who have completed their secondary education and Grade 12 Workplace level English. If you’re looking to quickly get to the world of work, you may send your completed application form to the college, supported with a copy of secondary school diploma certificate or equivalent and a proof of English proficiency. The application can be submitted in person, via mail or online.

Why Should You Consider One-Year Post-Secondary Hospitality Services Program?

The post-secondary hospitality services program prepares students for diverse hospitality careers in the areas of food service, front-end operations, food production, sanitation and hygiene, beverage services, travel management, food marketing, event management, kitchen and dining room operations and many more. It is a basic program that promotes necessary understanding of interrelationships among travel, lodging, food and culture.

This one-year program may be the right choice for those who want to work in ever-growing hospitality industry. It provides students an opportunity to develop full understanding of various career options that hospitality and related industries offer them.

Benefits of a Hospitality Services Program

• As mentioned earlier, hospitality industry is growing leaps and bounds, offering professionals ample number of job opportunities in each sector. Individuals can build rewarding careers in the sector of their choice from among tourism, food service, food production, and hospitality.
• The program also allows students to explore available post-secondary hospitality courses, allowing them to choose the one that best suits their career goals. The program helps them gain a clarity on which profession/field they want to choose upon graduation, so that they can make dedicated and focused efforts in that direction.
• This one-year program offers students variety within the curriculum and the hands-on experience, which leads them to employment as front desk clerks, room attendants, workers in maintenance department, cooks, food services, sanitation and safety executives or beverage services.
• The program incorporates job seeking techniques. The experienced faculty guides and advises students on how to find employment in the industry. They also teach them resume writing and job interview skills.
• The graduates of this program can seek challenging and exciting job opportunities in diverse hospitality service-related positions both locally and across Canada as main attention is given to food and beverage services, housekeeping, front desk skills and kitchen operations during the program.
• The program graduates can also apply their academic credits towards more advanced hospitality management courses at the college. This will help them upgrade their skills for better and high paying job opportunities.
  
  

Program Content

The hospitality services program covers basic subjects, including communication skills for hospitality service, front of the house agent, room attendant, visitor information services and life skills and job readiness in the first semester. The second semester covers beverage services, safety and sanitation, kitchen and dining room operations and mathematics.

The program also incorporates two field placements, one in each semester, allowing students to get hands-on experience and put their classroom learning into practice. The program can be taken by anyone who has completed secondary education and Grade 12 workplace level English. They can send their applications to the college via mail, online or in person along with a copy of secondary school diploma certificate and proof of English proficiency (workplace level).

Studying Hospitality Services in Canada

Centennial College is a hospitality college in Ontario that allows students to gain hands-on experience through the on-campus training restaurant laboratory, apart from field placements. Moreover, the college also offers computerized training facility. The certificate offered by the college reflects high standards of learning. 
 

A warm welcome to the hospitality industry through introductory courses

You may be familiar with that story of a maid in Manhattan who rose to the top from being a housekeeper to top management. Yes, it’s a movie, but it is more than that for many people, no matter what career they are in. There have been success stories of entry-level workers climbing the corporate ladder to become one of the most successful and powerful people of all time. It is a familiar theme in the service industry, since the workload is vast and employees need to be familiar with every facet of an organization.

Andrew Petrou, a professor at Centennial College, says that education can help support students in their career, but it is their hard work and dedication that will help them in achieving some of the their goals. He says, “With the effort put in from the individual, you have to be driven. You have to have the drive and understanding and focus of what you want to achieve.” Petrou is one of the experienced faculty members who teach Centennial’s hospitality courses at School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culture.

One of the certificate programs in this hospitality college is the Hospitality Services (1819) program. Within one year, students will become job-ready, full of knowledge and skills pertaining to the hospitality industry. With 12 courses and two field placements, students can enjoy an inclusive learning environment with a work setting where they can practice their skills hands-on. Petrou says, “It allows students from different circumstances to take a college certificate that allows them to sample the world of hospitality.”

“(The program) is great for students that may not otherwise have the opportunity to get a job on their own. It helps to orient them with the basics of hospitality in its business from hotels to restaurants,” says Bruce Haden-Leblanc, another Centennial faculty member. Students who want to explore the hospitality industry flock to this introductory program. The classes are comprised of many learners who have special needs, and this hospitality management program is very intuitive to the industry needs, that it provides students with specific skills.

The hands-on experience has been a stronghold for this program. Taught by experienced faculty, each course was designed to meet industry practices. Starting in the first semester, a field placement takes place to orient students to the working world, while learning valuable courses. In the second semester, a kitchen-dining lab practice takes place. Seven weeks are spent in the kitchen, assisting chefs with kitchen operations, while another seven weeks is dedicated to the dining room, where students practice their customer service skills by taking orders and serving guests.

Students gain plenty of academic and practical training in their classes and field placements within eight months at Centennial. The Hospitality Services program is broad in its teachings, allowing students to pursue various career paths in the hospitality industry. Some of the courses are involved in learning procedures in the front desk, visitor information services, beverage service, kitchen and dining room, and room attending. Graduates are ready to apply to restaurants, hotels, catering companies and other organizations in the hospitality and tourism industry.

College orders practical training for students in Hospitality Services program

Customer service skills are valued in many work settings, but it has been a big part of the hospitality industry in the early days when companies have yet to discover the importance of customer satisfaction. Hospitality involves customer service in all of its operations, giving job seekers a wide array of career options. Kick start your career by taking an all-encompassing program in one year at Centennial College with its Hospitality Services program.

Centennial College is the right hospitality college to obtain your education. With its available resources and modern facilities, students can learn through peer tutoring services and real-life lab settings. Hospitality students are placed in Progress campus, where a student-run restaurant and a residence inn are located, so students can get hands-on experience during lab settings and through available part-time jobs.

The School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culture offer students with the opportunity to learn at a college level, while enhancing their aptitude for the hospitality industry. The hospitality courses in the curriculum covers hospitality operations in the front of the house area, kitchen and dining room operations, food and beverage, and housekeeping. Students will gain the following learning outcomes:

• Students will learn how to engage with guests, before they enter the venue, from guest booking to reception to guest services. The Visitor Information Services and Front of the House Agent courses will provide detailed processes for common restaurant, hotel and other similar service operations, so students can apply it directly to the workplace upon graduation.
  
  
• Many hospitality services involve an eatery, and students will learn to use the equipment and handling procedures of common restaurant facilities. In addition to food and beverage serving practices, students will learn kitchen etiquette, event planning, and common restaurant operations.
  
  
• Being the frontline representatives of the organization means that hospitality workers are the organization’s ambassadors. Workers need to communicate effectively with their customers and colleagues. Therefore, students will learn communication techniques and basic math skills requires in hospitality services, in order to become a productive individual in the workplace.
  
  
• This area of work requires individuals to master skills more so than memorize theories. Centennial provides plenty of applied training for students in the lab practice sessions. Furthermore, the Life Skills & Job Readiness course will help students prepare their resume and work portfolio when applying to targeted jobs in the industry.
  
  
• In addition to the simulations and lab practices at Progress campus, students have two field placements during the two semesters of the program, where they will gain on-the-job training and networking opportunities.
  
  

Students learn relevant job skills at Centennial, which they can apply to various hospitality management positions. Graduates have been hired in various places such as Travel Lodge, Swiss Chalet, and Chart-wells with positions in administration, kitchen operations, and guest services. With the experience gained from the Hospitality Services program, graduates can many start entry-level jobs in the hospitality industry across Canada.

Hospitality Services: A Quick Credential for a Range of Careers in the Hospitality Industry

A hospitality services program is a comprehensive and intensive program that helps you get to the world of work in just one year. This program is suitable for those who:

• Want to build a career in food and beverage services, housekeeping, kitchen operations and front office
• Are looking for a quickie credential to work in hospitality industry
• Need eligibility to take certification exams in sanitation and beverage services
• Want to explore various hospitality courses and diverse career paths that hospitality industry offers
  
  

     The graduates of this program can find employment with restaurants, hotels, lodges and motels. They may work as room attendants, front desk clerks, food servicers, cooks or workers in the maintenance departments of hotels.

They can also write exams for various certifications in sanitation and beverage services. In addition to this, they may also apply their academic credits earned during this program towards more advanced courses in hospitality.

Hospitality Services Program

The one-year, post-secondary hospitality services program is designed to help students develop a basic understanding in various aspects of hospitality management. The aim is to provide them a broad view of the hospitality industry, in order to help them choose the right career path from among the available ones that suit their interests and career goals.

The program covers a wide range of subjects in two semesters. Students study following subjects in semester 1:

• Communication Skills for Hospitality Service Workers 1
• Front of the House Agent
• Room Attendant
• Introduction to Math, Part 1
• Visitor Information Services
• Life Skills and Job Readiness, Part 1
  
  

     Semester 2 subjects include:

• Communication Skills for Hospitality Service Workers 2
• Beverage Services
• Safety and Sanitation
• Life Skills and job Readiness, Part 2
• Kitchen and Dining Room Operations
• Introduction to Math, Part 2
  
  

     The program combines in-class learning, hands-on-lab, computer training and two field placements. Students spend two-days a week in a placement at a restaurant or a hotel, allowing them to put their classroom learning into practice. It also incorporates job seeking techniques, and job interview and resume skills.

Admission Requirements

In order to apply for this program, students need:

• Secondary school diploma or equivalent
• English Grade 12 Workplace level
  
  

      Choosing the Right College in Canada

Although there are a number of hospitality colleges in Canada, but not all offer continuous field placements throughout the tenure of the program. Therefore, it’s important to choose a college that helps you gain real-world experience, which is a necessary condition for employment in hospitality industry.

Centennial College’s hospitality services certificate reflects high standards of learning. Students are taught by knowledge faculty who have experience in diverse areas of hospitality. The program at the college

• Places special attention to food and beverages services, kitchen operations, housekeeping and front office
• Incorporates hands-on-experience through an on-campus training restaurant laboratory
• Includes field placement at a restaurant or a hotel

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