U.K.-based Institute of Hospitality and learning provider Echelon Publishing have joined forces to create an online initiative that helps hospitality employees download learning.
The result is the Institute of Hospitality’s Training Library, which has more than 400 learning modules available for downloading. They are geared toward trainers, managers and supervisors in the fields of hospitality, leisure, sports and tourism.
Topics covered in the learning modules include communication skills, project management skills, customer service skills, impression management skills and telephone skills, as well as how to deal with customers who have specific needs.
Echelon hosts, manages and updates the Training Library’s content on behalf of the Institute of Hospitality, which allows the institute to strengthen its efforts in other areas, said Janine Mills, head of information services.
“It enables us to focus on complementary online activities such as our digitized guides on food safety, business management, and health and safety,” she said.
Additionally, Mills said the Institute of Hospitality has seen increased participation in learning opportunities since it began focusing on selected training through the library’s learning modules — she estimated that participation rates have increased by about 500 percent.
Further, Mills said the target audience for the Training Library’s content appreciates the “buffet” nature thereof.
“Most members who have used the resource pick and mix from the material available to put together training programs for delivery by managers and supervisors to catering, bar, front-of-house and housekeeping staff,” she said.
Echelon Publishing has helped other organizations in the hotel and hospitality sector meet their learning needs. Its consulting division has helped develop and manage programs for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn, among others.
