Island Resort Learning Center instructor Harry McCutcheon said the subjects the school will offer can train the island’s residents to fill up necessary entry-level positions in hotels, restaurants, and other establishments.
The courses include front desk, food and beverage, housekeeping, pool attendant, lifeguard and general maintenance. Each course requires 10 hours to complete.
The students will get a step-by-step guide and introduction to the courses of their choice using electronic media, PowerPoint and video presentations.
“These are classes where everybody can join regardless of age, race, or status and there are no requirements or prerequisites,” McCutcheon said.
After completion of 10 hours on a chosen subject, the students will have to take and pass the final examination before they will be issued a certification.
But an individual can take all the courses if he or she wants to, McCutcheon added.
“Whether you remain here or go somewhere else, your certified training can help you get ahead in competing and getting hired for entry level positions in the tourism industry wherever you are,” McCutcheon said.
Schedule of classes (Monday to Friday)
• Front Desk course– 4p.m.
Subjects include the Front Desk, Bellmen, Bags and Concierge, Reservations, Proper Telephone Etiquette, and Emergency Procedure.
• Food and Beverage course – 5 p.m.
Subjects include Food and Beverage Service, Reliability and Integrity, Knowing your Menu, Sanitation and Cleanliness, Bartending and Mixology.
• Housekeeping course – 6 p.m.
Subjects include Housekeeping, Understanding Room Checklist, Occupied Rooms and Checkouts, Cart and Supplies, and Cleaning chemicals and Protection Gear.
• Pool Attendant course – 7 p.m.
Subjects include Pool Attendant, Basic Requirements, Rules and Policies, Safety in the Pool or Beach, and Emergency Procedures.
• Lifeguard course – 8 p.m.
Subjects include Rules and Policies, Safety at the Pool, Beach or Ocean, Types of Lifeguard and Rescue Procedures, CPR and First Aid-EMS, and Safety Equipment and Proper Usage.
• General Maintenance course – 9 p.m.
Subjects include Pool and Beach Maintenance, Landscape Maintenance, Handling Work Order Requests, Basic Electrical and Mechanical Knowledge, and Fire Prevention/Maintenance of Fire Fighting Equipment.
Common in all the courses are topics on Professional Hospitality, a Glimpse at our Market, Smiles, Attitude and Professionalism, and Security.
McCutcheon said each class will have a maximum of 20 students at a fee of $4 per teaching hour.
A student can complete the courses in two weeks time if they come in each day but McCutcheon said that students who can miss a subject or two in a week can join the same class when the two-week class cycle repeats.
“You can finish your 10-hour course in two weeks or a month, it’s fine as long as you pass the final examination,” he said.
McCutcheon said with tourism as the mainstream in the islands’ economy, enrolling in these courses can help the islanders if the workers occupying positions in the hotels and restaurants will start leaving the island.
Those who are planning to leave and go elsewhere can also use the certified training they will get from the Island Resort Learning Center.
“This will be your edge against your competition when you apply for jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry,” he said.
Instructors for the courses will be McCutcheon and Vicente Benny Iriarte.
McCutcheon brings with him a worldwide view of tourism backed by over 40 years experience in the hospitality industry. He started working as a room service elevator operator and bellboy at 16, and has since then owned and operated a restaurant, worked in tourism consulting and sales, business development and more.
Iriarte has over 25 years experience as a professional charter boat captain and director of ocean sports and recreational activities. He is a certified “waterman” who is well-versed with the ocean and the visitor industry.
McCutcheon said students at the Island Resort Learning Center can be assured of getting the best training from qualified professionals.
Island Resort Learning Center is located at Herjoy’s in San Antonio, first right after Hopwood Junior High School.
For more information, visit www.islandresortlearningcenter.webs.com, e-mail [email protected] or call 235-7711.
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