Catering and Hospitality

Catering and hospitality is concerned with providing the public with food, drink and accommodation. It is an industry that is fast-moving and constantly changing and developing, as can be seen from exposure on television programmes and in newspaper supplements, tourism brochures and magazines.
Jobs range from catering supervisors sourcing food, to chefs preparing food, waiting and bar staff serving food and drink, front office customer service for assisting guests and housekeeping behind the scenes. There are also managers for all these operations.
Workers in the industry are often at their busiest during evenings, weekends and public holidays, and many can expect long, irregular hours and shift and weekend working. However this may be compensated by the greater flexibility that shift-working can provide. 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.
The industry employs over 2.5 million people throughout the UK. There are also opportunities to work overseas. Employers include:
hotels and guest houses offering accommodation from budget to luxury
restaurants, including themed restaurants, pub restaurants and fast food outlets
pubs, clubs and bars, including bar facilities in hotels and restaurants
theme parks, cinemas, museums, art galleries and leisure resorts
schools, colleges, hospitals, nursing homes, railways, airports and cruise ships.
Most jobs involve dealing with the public, so staff must be friendly, polite and, most importantly, enjoy giving good customer service. They should have stamina and be able to work well in a team. Staff at management level also need good organisational and problem-solving skills.
There are jobs in catering and hospitality for people with a wide range of qualifications, from GCSEs/S grades through to degrees. Entrants to hotel management usually have an HNC/HND, a degree or postgraduate qualification. There are many relevant courses to help people prepare for entry to the industry at all levels.
Much of the training is on the job, and many employers offer training schemes or Apprenticeships which combine college-based learning and practical experience. Many people work towards NVQs/SVQs Levels 1 to 4, or Institute of Hospitality qualifications. Graduate training schemes may be available for those starting work with larger companies.
Employment prospects are good and more skilled workers will be needed, especially as Britain is to host the 2012 Olympic Games. It is often possible, in large organisations, to become a supervisor or manager, but prospects with small employers may be more limited, and people may have to move between employers to progress. Once experienced, some people may choose to set up their own business, for example a restaurant or small hotel.