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“I studied in an industry that I am passionate about. The Hospitality Services program consists of learning about hotels and restaurants,” says Ejikeme Ehirim who graduated from Centennial College in 2011. “The focus is put on food and beverage services, sanitation, life skills and job readiness. This experience has taught me about time management skills and resourcefulness. Centennial College is a multi-cultural community. Centennial College has had major impact on me in terms of informing me about global citizenship opportunities. Teachers are awesome about pushing me to succeed and are knowledgeable about this industry. This is the best educational experience I have ever known.” Not only does Ejikeme’s testimonial demonstrate the wide range of topics studied in the one-year Hospitality Services offering, it also shows other positive aspects of attending Centennial College. Applying to attend the Hospitality courses, which result in an Ontario College Certificate (as well as the opportunity to take certification exams in Sanitation and Beverage Services), requires students to posses at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or have mature student status (19 years or older). Once students are accepted, they attend Hospitality courses that are offered out of the centrally located Progress Campus. This campus is equipped with facilities that allow students to obtain the practical training they need to have an edge in areas of the hospitality industry such as: room attendant, front desk clerk, food service, cook or maintenance worker. These facilities include a conference centre at which functions are held as well as a real-life restaurant called Horizons. In addition, Progress Campus houses other hospitality college programs, which let’s students interact with peers in similar programs. Meanwhile, the Hospitality Services program itself takes pride in presenting a varied curriculum that balances hands-on experience with theory. Among specific hospitality courses are: Room Attendant, Front of the House Agent, Visitor Information Services, Life Skills and Job Readiness, Beverage Services, Safety and Sanitation, Kitchen and Dining Room Operations and more. Aside from hospitality management courses, students also learn job-seeking techniques, job interview and resume skills. Knowledgeable faculty members who possess current experience lead all courses. On-campus Hospitality Services training is balanced with a two-day-a week work experience placement at a restaurant or hotel. This training allows students to apply what they have learned in class while gaining new knowledge from those who have worked in the field for substantial amount of time. In addition, this Hospitality Services field placement can be used as a networking opportunity. Upon graduation, students are field-ready. Companies that have hired students of the Hospitality Services program include McDonald’s, St. Joseph Hospital, Swiss Chalet and Taco Bell. Students who are, on the other hand, interested in further education, can transfer to one of Centennial College’s more specialized hospitality management programs.
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