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Careers in hospitality, leisure and tourism
What qualifications do I need?
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What's the best way in to this industry then and what qualifications do you need? Hospitality and Catering, like many other sectors, suffer from skills shortages in certain areas. Undoubtedly there are a wide range of jobs on offer - Receptionists, Bar, Conference and Banqueting, Event Management, Chefs, Waiters, Sales and Marketing, House-keeping, Food and Beverage Managers … these are just a few! The three main entry routes are :

• By getting a job and benefiting from company training and development - maybe alongside a part-time college course. Whitbread Restaurants offer a fantastic Chef apprentice scheme, which combines training in the work-place with a day-release to College.
• By becoming a trainee and securing a Modern Apprenticeship or National Traineeship which will offer full time training for young people up to the age of 25 to NVQ/SVQ level 3.
• By enrolling on a full-time college or university course. There are courses to suit all abilities, whatever your academic achievements.

If it's a career in Travel and Tourism that interests you, again there are too many jobs to mention here, Travel Agents, Overseas Reps, Cabin Crew, Marketing for a Tour Operator, Customer Relations, Operations Roles, Cruise Ships, Tourist Information Centres, just a few to consider. This sector is attractive to new recruits and competition can be tough, some of the qualifications that could help you on your way include:

• GNVQs unit-based qualifications designed to develop knowledge, skills and understanding in broad vocational areas. These can lead to further/higher education or employment and are available at levels 1 to 3.
• NVQs and SVQs. These provide a flexible approach allowing you to progress at your own pace. They have been devleoped to meet real needs of people at work and employers' requirements.
• Modern Apprenticeships - an opportunity to develop skills, expertise and gain NVQs whilst at work.
• Further and Higher Education - Many universities and some colleges offer HND or degree courses in Travel and Tourism and related subject areas. Often these courses include business studies, field trips, foreign languages and marketing elements.

Qualifications alone are no guarantee of a job in either the hospitality, leisure, travel or tourism industry a lot depends on your personality, attitude, communication skills and - common sense approach to work and life in general!

To find out more contact Springboard UK, who offer career advice on all aspects of the Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism industry. Their web-site http://springboarduk.net/ has loads of information on working in these sectors, with web-links, cv advice, career profiles, and a college finder along with information on many of the leading employers so you can find out what is on offer in the way of job prospects, training and career progression.

Hospitality, Leisure, and Tourism might not be everyone's choice - but if you are enthusiastic, like people and want a career that's exciting, challenging and constantly developing - contact Springboard UK to check it out - you might just be surprised!