College offering silver service to hotel group

College offering silver service to hotel group

1 January 2014

THE South Eastern Regional College is working with the Hastings Hotel Group’s iconic Slieve Donard Resort to help develop the skills of staff who work there.

The College is helping deliver an NVQ Hospitality qualification which will improve customer service and staff morale at the Slieve Donard.

Hotel general manager, Mr. Stephen Meldrum, said investment in skills development is vital for maintaining the Slieve Donard’s strong commitment to the first class customer service its prides itself in providing and which is so important to customers.

He said when staff have completed their training, they will have the expert skills and knowledge to offer a higher standard of customer service which will help grow the business.

Mr. Meldrum added: “As the training is largely carried out on-site, time out of the work-place is minimised and allows new skills to be put into practice immediately.

“With the College’s help, we have saved time and money and are set to gain a real competitive advantage as a result of enhanced customer service.”

College principal and chief executive, Mr. Ken Webb, said it has been recognised that the hospitality industry within Northern Ireland is growing.

“Skills development is fundamental to the success of the sector and we have the skills, expertise and flexibility to deliver this,” he continued.

“We understand how hard it is for businesses to upskill employees with other demands on their time and money. That’s why we make it as easy as possible for participants by working with them to minimise the impact of releasing staff. It’s a real partnership.”