The Sunday News
By Dzikamai Dunira
The Global Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (GIHT) has unpacked a cocktail of professional courses to benefit the Bulawayo tourism and hospitality industry and the nation at large.
This comes after much has been said about deteriorating standards in some sectors of the hospitality industry.
“Our courses are market-driven and are of premier standards. Often-times, school leavers who failed to make it to the School of Hospitality and Tourism at Bulawayo Polytechnic were forced to shift base to Harare or Gweru for hospitality studies, but this is now a thing of the past,” said the GIHT marketing officer.
The institute is an approved centre for both local and international boards like Hexco, Institute of Commercial Management (ICM) — UK and City & Guilds (UK). Government hospitality programmes under Hexco require five O-levels including English and start from the National Foundation Certificate to the Higher National Diploma. The courses offered are professional cookery, bakery studies, tourism & hospitality management and food & beverage management.
“City & Guilds — a global leader in internationally accredited qualifications has no academic admission requirements. The courses we offer are food preparation and cookery, food and beverage services, and hospitality services from Level 1 to 3. Level 1 provides a foundation for higher learning,” she added.
“ICM also has an open entry policy. Mature students who do not meet the standard entry requirements, that is, those who didn’t go to university after school or college are eligible to study ICM courses. Some might have been idle while others had work or family responsibilities. It’s a great chance for them to develop new skills and career options at any age,” said the marketing officer.
The college admission policy is quite flexible and accommodates even those without five O-levels within their vocational school programmes. The main aim for the vocational school is to keep the youths and the unemployed away from drug abuse, prostitution and other social ills. Trade testing under the vocational school also targets those who have been in the hospitality industry for a long time but wish to get their level of competency tested and certified.
“School leavers who can read and write in English can be prepared for such tests and in this way can be employable. Our promise to the community is quality service; we’re passionate about satisfying the needs of the client,” she added.
The college also has monthly intakes of short courses in baking, cookery, events management, housekeeping, bartending and many others for those who might not have time to do the full-time courses. GIHT has a pool of experts to help educators and businesspeople set up their establishments by providing consultancy services.
“In the past, specialist consultancy services were available from Harare or South Africa but are now at your doorstep. Find out more about our courses through our social media pages, GIHT on Facebook and globalinstituteofhospitality on Instagram.
You may also call on 029-880207 or contact on our WhatsApp platform 0716653652, and we will readily assist you,” said the marketing officer.
With the Government initiative of destination marketing, it is commendable that GIHT has taken the initiative to train professionals who’ll assist in the revival of the tourism industry.
