Hospitality Training Institute Sets New Standards in Service for D.C. Metro Area

April 10, 2008 - PRLog -- Washington, D.C.

After years of working in the hospitality industry with service professionals, Alex Atwood, owner of the Hospitality Training Institute, noticed a lack of what he deems “specific, formalized training for the service industry.”  Atwood felt this was a grave oversight, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the ongoing presence of upscale, international clientele mandates the highest standards of hospitality service.

Atwood decided to raise the bar for the entire industry and set his own standards by opening the Hospitality Training Institute last month, the only training facility of its kind in the D.C. metropolitan area.  Standardized bartending, banquet, and casino training include specialized courses in areas such as French table-side service, bartending for banquets, and a variety of gaming rules and techniques from blackjack to baccarat.  

With classes aimed at improving skills for service professionals, HTI caters to all facets of the hospitality industry, from hospitality managers to housekeepers – and everyone in between.  Here, students can learn how to masterfully manage a roulette wheel, mix the perfect martini, or set a proper formal table setting.  HTI can launch a bartending career in under a week, or teach students the fundamentals of food and alcohol safety with ServSafe and TiPS certification courses.  

Individuals enrolled in HTI’s courses add value, polish, and experience to their service skills, which makes them more marketable and competitive professionals.  Institutions that enroll their staff will profit from improved guest services, lower employee turnover rates, and higher customer retention rates – especially important in an industry where 68% of consumers will not visit an establishment again if they detect employee indifference or negative attitudes.

Courses are taught either at HTI’s new facility in Alexandria, Virginia, or on-site at any hospitality establishment in the Baltimore and D.C. metropolitan areas.  On-site training saves institutions time and money by eliminating travel expenses and training staff on familiar equipment.  HTI customizes training to meet the standards of each institution, recognizing that every establishment has different expectations and procedures.  

“On-site training is important in two ways,” says John Tedesco, Director of Training at HTI.  “First, we help these institutions raise their standards by providing third-party training; second, we ensure uniformity among staff by making sure everyone is trained to the same standards.”

One of HTI’s most aggressive and innovative programs, the ESL for Hospitality courses are designed to facilitate communication among staff with limited English ability. Partnering with certified ESL teachers from the Fairfax County school system, these on-site courses improve institutional guest service performance by providing practical instruction in workplace communication and vocabulary.

Customizable on-site courses are available for groups of six or more for a flat fee.  Classes are also held weekly at the HTI training facility in Alexandria, Virginia, offering flexible classes to conform to busy schedules.  With affordable rates – workshops and classes range from $55 to $299 – working professionals and industry newcomers can start broadening their education and practicing their skills without sacrificing their livelihood or daily commitments.

For more information about Hospitality Training Institute courses, pricing, and scheduling, please visit their website at http://www.hospitalityinstitute.net/HTI or call 703-496-7292.