Skills shortages are having a negative impact on UK productivity in all areas of the economy, and there have been plenty of news reports that we are falling behind our European counterparts.
The Learning and Skills Councils have therefore set a target that, by 2012, 85 per cent of jobs will require a certain level of skill and competency.
One of the areas they are focusing on is hospitality.
Under the government's Train to Gain initiative there are an increasing number of training options available for licensees across the UK, whether they are for members of the bar team, the licensees themselves or the washers-up in the kitchen.
Among the NVQs available are Food and Drink Service, Hospitality Services, and Customer Service as well as cross-sector NVQs. These can all be supported by a hospitality essential skills programme which develops all the basic skills necessary to run a pub successfully.
Food and Drink Service
This NVQ is suitable for staff waiting tables and those who combine this with bar work. The course involves eight units on various subjects and is completed by candidates answering questions in each unit as well as a small work-based project. An assessor will observe the learner at work and match their actions to NVQ standards.
A person with experience in the job can expect to complete this NVQ within three months, although candidates who are less experienced may take slightly longer - between four and six months.
Hospitality Services
Another NVQ option, this course consists of about 12 units and is suitable for anyone who wants to progress their career and try a bit of everything. Learners will need to demonstrate experience in the bar, restaurant and the kitchen.
As with all NVQ courses, assessors will observe the learner at work, and there will be a set of questions for each unit. Depending on experience, the course can be completed in as little as four months, although it can take up to eight.
Cross-sector NVQs
A wide range of cross-sector NVQ programmes are available, including customer service, leadership and management, information technology and business improvement techniques.
Essential skills for hospitality
Learners taking an NVQ can be supported by essential skills training which is all about getting back to basics.
Designed to run concurrently with an NVQ, this programme covers elements of written communication and working with figures, and includes basic IT training. This can dramatically improve the skills and efficiency of everyday activities that are part of the job, in the case of hospitality:
- Taking food and drinks orders
- Beer line cleaning
- Receiving and storing deliveries
- Taking credit card payments manually
- Cashing up
- Portion control
- Recipes
- Accident reporting
- Diluting chemicals
- Stock ordering
- Stocktaking.
A short online or paper-based assessment at the end of the programme is all that is required to achieve the certificate.
Short programmes
In addition, although not fully funded, most training providers also offer a range of short programmes delivered in one or two-day workshops, or in some cases by tutor-supported learning.
Included in these are basic food hygiene, first aid, equality and diversity, conflict management, risk assessment and health and safety in the workplace.
Better trained employees will have more confidence in their ability and pride in their skills which will undoubtedly lead to an improvement of their contribution in the workplace - and better service all round.
Ted Stanley is chief executive officer of UNOCO, a Nottingham-based training and development company and a Train to Gain provider - www.unoco.co.uk. More information on courses available in your area can be found at www.traintogain.gov.uk