The Hospitality Department at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School hosted its first annual Careers and Professionalism seminar on Friday 20th March, 2015.
Over 50 plus students of the Hospitality START Program years’ three, four and five were in attendance. The START program is a fairly new course added to the school’s curriculum, where students have the option and opportunity to earn a professional industry certification from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) during their final two years at the high school. The program gives students real-world knowledge and skills needed for a long-term career in the lodging industry. It highlights components of various hospitality positions in the hotel including front-line operations of rooms division: front desk, reservations, housekeeping, bell services and, food and beverage division: restaurant service, banquet setup and more.
Students who were in attendance would likely have an advantage should they choose to continue their interest and desire to enter the hospitality industry or any other job market on Anguilla. The aim of the seminar was to expose students to the information needed to embark on a career in hospitality. The seminar was proven very informative and interactive as students were engaged in active discussion and learning.
Local industry leaders facilitated the seminar sessions. Facilitators included: Ms. Sharon Richardson, Director of Hospitality Studies at the Anguilla Community College who presented on Building a Hospitality Career; Ms. Dorla Hodge, Director of Human Resources at Viceroy and Residences Anguilla, presented on Professional Image; and Ms. Carolyn Yard, Director of Training and Quality Assurance at Viceroy Residences Anguilla, spoke candidly of Professionalism on the Job. Mr. Chris Richardson, Assistant General Manager at Cuisinart Golf Resort and Spa, addressed the importance of teamwork and Diversity in the hospitality industry.
The department wishes to thank our esteemed presenters for their remarkable support, time, and effort, and looks forward to continued partnership in the future.
“Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.”
Confucius
– Contributed
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
