.jpg)
Catering and Hospitality
Catering and hospitality is concerned with providing the public with food, drink and accommodation. It is an industry that is constantly changing.
Hotels compete to offer accommodation for the increasing numbers of people who want to travel and enjoy their leisure time. They also often provide accommodation and conference services to businesses.
More and more people enjoy dining out and drinking in a wide variety of places, including themed restaurants, fast food outlets and pubs. The pub-restaurant area, in particular, is very popular.
Jobs range from those preparing food and cooking, serving food and drink, welcoming guests, and housekeeping behind the scenes. There are also managers for all these operations. Some jobs are highly creative, such as that of a skilled chef.
Very few people who work in this industry have regular hours, and many work shifts. Staff are often at their busiest during evenings, weekends and public holidays. Managers, in particular, tend to work long hours. Working environments differ between jobs. Some people work in clean, comfortable surroundings, but kitchen environments can be hot, humid and noisy. Staff may be on their feet for long periods.
Most jobs involve dealing with the public, so staff must be friendly, polite, have an outgoing personality and, most importantly, enjoy giving good customer service. They should have stamina and be able to work well in a team.
Many people in catering and hospitality work for hotels, restaurants, fast-food outlets, canteens, pubs, clubs, leisure resorts and guest houses. Others work for breweries and soft drinks manufacturers. Catering services also cover, for example, schools and colleges, hospitals, nursing homes, railways, airlines and cruise ships.
The catering and hospitality industry employs over two million people. Jobs can be found throughout the UK, and there are also opportunities to work overseas.
There are jobs in catering and hospitality for people with a wide range of qualifications, from GCSEs through to degrees.
Employment prospects are good. People with ability and who are hard working can progress quickly in catering and hospitality. It is often possible in large organisations to become a supervisor or manager. Small employers may be more limited and people often have to move between employers to progress. Some people choose to set up their own business, for example a restaurant or small hotel.
Newbury College courses:
To apply for any of these courses call 01635 845000 and we will arrange an interview.
Our Learner Services and Information team can also offer careers advice and guidance if you are not sure which course to choose.
Newbury College
Monks Lane
Newbury
RG14 7TD
Telephone: 01635 845000
Fax: 01635 845312
Email: info@newbury-college.ac.uk