Guidance...
Lisa is responsible for the day-to-day running of Spires Restaurant, the College training restaurant, which is open to the public for lunches, dinners and special events during term time. Here, under Lisa’s guidance, students are able to put theory into practice in a real-life setting.
Learning support...
The first-year students are responsible for running the restaurant at lunchtime, and Lisa checks that they set out the restaurant and lay the tables to the necessary standards. If students are unsure or nervous, she takes the opportunity to help them practise their skills.
Administration...
The restaurant is ready for the lunchtime visitors, so the students take a break. Lisa takes the opportunity to deal with paperwork, organising the diaries, inspecting the cash book, checking over the work rota (each student must have worked to the required standard in all the roles within the restaurant to achieve their qualification).
Serving up...
The first of the lunchtime diners arrive, welcomed by the student who is acting as Head Waiter for the day. Although the students are expected to run the restaurant themselves, Lisa has to be aware of where problems are arising and to know when to step in unobtrusively to help out with advice and guidance. Students start out serving simple, plated meals and progress to full silver service by the end of the first year.
Professional development...
The restaurant has been cleared, and Lisa has a break. She takes the opportunity to do some preparation for her Certificate in Education teaching course and Assessor Awards Course. Obtaining teaching qualifications is a high priority within the College Staff Development policy. Her ambition is to become a lecturer within the next couple of years.
Skills...
The restaurant is prepared for the evening diners. Dinner is the responsibility of second year students, who are capable of dealing with banquets, speciality evenings (flambé and ethnic dishes are particular favourites), and more, so Lisa’s role is more supervisory this time. As well as being well qualified (Lisa obtained her Hospitality Management Degree at Bournemouth University), she also has a wealth of industrial experience in bars and restaurants both in this country and abroad. All lecturers and trainers at the College have previous (or current) industrial experience and are able to benefit from regular industrial up-dating opportunities.
Clearing up...
The restaurant is cleaned and made ready for the next day, when Lisa will be helping day-release students put theory into practice in Spires Restaurant.