The graduates finished the 10-hour courses in Front Desk and Housekeeping which involves topics on Professional Hospitality, A glimpse at our Market, Smiles, Attitude and Professionalism, Bellmen, Bags and Concierge, Reservations, Proper Telephone Etiquette, Emergency Procedures, and Security.
“Whether you remain in the Marianas or go elsewhere, certified training will help you in competing and getting hired for entry level positions in the visitor industry, wherever you are,” Island Resort Learning Center instructor Harry McCutcheon said.
With 25 hotels and 13 resorts on Saipan, Tinian and Rota, the islands thrive on the hospitality industry as their main source of economy.
“There will always be positions to be filled up in the hospitality and tourism industry and you can use your knowledge to get ahead, no matter where you are,” he added.
Erlinda Ruga, one of the students who finished the housekeeping course, told the Variety that she learned a lot from the classes.
Things like making the beds, responsibility to guests, organizational charts which instructs whom to go to when you need help or assistance are some of the important things that she learned during the 10-hour course.
Susan Pascual, who finished the 10-hour front desk, course said she gained more information that will be helpful in handling people.
“I learned the difference between hospitality and professional hospitality,” Pascual said.
After spending several years in the sales and marketing division of an airline company, Pascual said her knowledge is never enough.
“You deal with people every day and yet you still have so many things to do, this course can help equip you with the skills needed to get you ahead of the others,” she said.
The six courses in resort positions offered at $4 per teaching hour are Front Desk, Food and Beverage Service, Housekeeping, Pool Attendant, Intro to Life Guard and General Maintenance.
All courses are available to anyone who will receive a certificate of completion after finishing a 10 hours course and passing the final examination.
McCutcheon said a student can complete the courses in two weeks time if they come in each day but if you miss a session, you can join another class when the two-week class cycle repeats.
With McCutcheon is Vicente Benny Iriarte who instructs the other courses.
McCutcheon has over four decades experience in the hospitality industry. Iriarte has over 25 years experience as a professional charter boat captain and director of ocean sports and recreational activities.
Spring classes will start on May 3. The new class hours will be from 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Monday to Friday.
The Learning Center is located on the second floor of Herjoy’s in San Antonio, first right after Hopwood Junior High School. For more information, visit www.islandresortlearningcenter.webs.com, e-mail islandresortlearningcenter@yahoo.com or call 235-7711.
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