Training staff is an important part of any business, both for customers who expect high standards, and employees who want to reach their career goals.
A group of staff from Wales’ Celtic Manor Resort have seen the benefits of professional training for themselves when they recently achieved advanced managerial qualifications in food safety with Coleg Gwent.
The five catering staff from the Celtic Manor worked towards The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Level 4 Award in Managing Food Safety, designed for those who monitor and audit food safety systems, during 2010 with Coleg Gwent’s Business Development Unit.
Staff at the five-star resort got to grips with best practice in areas including management of food safety, legislation and training requirements, under the supervision of their Coleg Gwent Tutor Jane Yates.
Executive Head Chef Justin Llewellyn has worked at the Celtic Manor for four years, and has experienced the value good training can bring both to individuals and business. He said: “The implications of training for an establishment like this are really so important. The level 4 food hygiene qualification gives staff better knowledge, and keeps us up-to-date with any important changes or developments. Regular food training helps our staff and business to develop, and ensures we offer our customers the best service possible.
“We’ve worked with Coleg Gwent for a few years now and we have a great relationship with the college. We opt for in-house training which suits us because we’re so busy, and we can do training on the job.
“The success rate is brilliant – everyone who has done the courses has passed. We hope to keep working with Coleg Gwent for many years to come.”
Tim McDougall, Head Chef at the Celtic Manor’s fine dining restaurant, The Crown, was among the chefs who recently achieved the level 4 award. He said: “I’m really pleased to have completed the qualification; it’s helped me with different aspects of my job including learning what Environmental Health expects from a Head Chef in a busy place like this.
“I’ve worked with Coleg Gwent before on levels 2 and 3, and it’s always been very good. Completing the course onsite was great for us as we could continue working.”
Their Coleg Gwent Tutor Jane Yates said: “The chefs at the Celtic Manor Resort were all excellent candidates who worked hard to incorporate the demanding course work required to achieve success in this qualification. I look forward very much to working with them in the future and helping them with their continuing professional development.”
