Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Food Service Training - Classes, Courses And Real Life Experience

By Serena Price


Food service training is necessary for individuals to work in the hospitality industry. It is an ever-growing field as hospitals, hotels, airports, restaurants, country clubs and many other industries need employees trained in this profession. There are specific courses and classes an aspiring worker must take to be successful in this fast-paced and highly competitive field.

A first step would be to take a course toward a food handler's certification. This would teach interested individuals how to safely prepare food to avoid illness, rotate stock, clean and sanitize effectively, and cook and serve items at the proper temperatures. Health inspections are the norm for every establishment and helping the business be prepared for an impromptu visit will ensure that you get a good report - and a reputation for following the rules.

An alcohol awareness course is necessary for anyone that works around alcoholic beverages. Employees such as servers and bartenders at clubs, restaurants, hotels, and resorts can benefit from learning how to recognize when a customer has been over served. This will protect the facility from liability and other risks if there is an incident.

Learning about nutrition is also very advantageous especially in jobs at schools, nursing homes and day cares. Classes on balanced meals, vitamin and mineral content, and caloric intake are valuable to everyone but especially young children and the elderly. This knowledge will assist you in determining the best foods for specific individuals in your facility.

On-the-job training is the most vital because it actually teaches you what a specific position is all about. Every job in individual businesses is different and this education will prepare you to do the work on your own with no supervision. Learning how to take initiative, go the extra mile, and give attention to detail will make you stand out as an exemplary employee. Jobs in hospitality are also notorious for long hours of heavy work so it is important to develop stamina and stay healthy and strong.

Often apprentice positions are available for those who wish to go into specific professions such as that of a chef or baker. Working under someone with extensive knowledge would give you in-depth knowledge that you would use for a lifetime. Take notes and observe closely as the skills of your mentor will serve you well at later positions.

Focusing on what you want out of this profession and the areas of expertise you need for a particular job will guide you in choosing the right courses. For example, working in a nursing home would not require alcohol awareness courses but you would definitely need to be schooled on nutrition and the different dietary needs of the geriatric set. An employee in the kitchen would not necessarily need to be trained on customer service although it would still benefit him in that he would have a basic understanding of what servers must go through when orders are late or incorrect.

Taking part in food service training will give you the education to be successful in a hospitality position of your choice. Staying abreast of consumer trends, food preparation developments, and customer satisfaction methods will help you make your way to the top of your field. Becoming a proactive student who is always willing to learn and try new things will help your skills stay marketable for years to come.




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