WIT News

Calling All Budding Waterford Restaurateurs Posted: Thu, July 8, 2010

Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) is offering an innovative Restaurant Management Programme to budding restaurateurs with a passion for pursuing a career in the restaurant industry. The free part-time programme is the first of its kind in Ireland and is aimed at those currently working in the restaurant industry or who are looking to change careers.

Research conducted among over 50 best practice restaurants and hotels in 2009 showed a need for short ‘learn and earn’ courses in the restaurant industry. To meet this need, WIT has developed an intensive nine month programme in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland that combines theory-based learning with a practical application of skills in industry.
Successful applicants will be taught in WIT’s new €27 million state of the art Hospitality and Tourism facility.

Speaking about the new programme, WIT Course Leader Ms Jacinta Greene-Beatty said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this unique course to dedicated, committed people with a passion for the restaurant industry. This intensive programme is specially designed for anyone wishing to pursue a career in the restaurant business as it provides an excellent collaboration between college-based learning and ‘hands-on’ industry experience. It’s also open to anyone considering a career change that has a passion for working in this dynamic industry.”

Mr Ray Cullen, Head of Department, Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality, WIT said: “WIT is renowned for its achievements in Restaurant Service having won National, International and World Awards in restaurant service competitions, so students will get world-class training in every aspect of the restaurant business. This programme is ideal for people currently working in the restaurant industry and looking for that extra qualification to take on a more responsible role.”

The Restaurant Management Programme is a Level 7 (special purpose award) programme. Among the topics covered in the programme are Food, Energy Sustainability, Services Marketing, Restaurant Design and Applied Financial Management. Students will spend six months in college-based learning and three months gaining valuable work experience at a restaurant of their choice. Students who successfully complete this programme are eligible to enter 2nd year of the BA in Hospitality Management at WIT.

The closing date for applications is 31st July 2010 with the programme due to start on September 13th 2010. Successful applicants will be called for interview in late August / early September which will be followed by an intensive induction week to prepare students for the programme. Further information on the course is available at www.wit.ie/restmancert