Posts Tagged ‘Hostec’

Traineeships welcomes Phillip Chavez

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Hostec welcomes Phillip Chavez to the traineeships division. He is the youngest member of the team and will be supporting the group as a junior administrator/office all rounder. It is his first office experience since graduating from high school. Some interesting facts about Phillip are that his parents are Chilean and he speaks Spanish fluently. At Hostec, Phillip is learning the ways of the corporate environment and gaining valuable skills that will help him for his future.


Hostec tries a touch of Spanish at Velero

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

With summer sadly coming to an end over the weekend, I thought I should tackle the task of having one last dinner in one of Sydney’s hot spots (tough life!). As the late sunsets will become fewer and fewer, I got myself down to Woolloomooloo with my lovely family on Friday night for a taste of Spanish tapas at Velero. The evening started well with a taste of bubbles and fresh cured meats, but with every expectation to experience provincial Spain the excitement of the meal stopped there.

Velero proved to have a great menu with an extensive list of tapas, market fresh fish, grilled meats matched with imported Spanish wines. However the meals did not meet my Hostec taste buds quite how I had hoped. I ordered the beautiful Riverina fillet from the grill (pictured) and while it looked delicious it was indeed overcooked. Family members opted for the more traditional Spanish paella (also pictured) and while one said the mix of prawns, mushrooms, clams and chili was the perfect blend with our selection of wines, another believed it was dry. On the plus side the atmosphere was relaxed and peaceful, warm and friendly hospitality was ensured with our dining experience being thoroughly enjoyable. A mixture of Spanish cheeses, cinnamon and hazelnut sorbet saw the end of the night with small portions but were complemented by red and white wines.

For my final summer night Velero did get the Hostec tick of approval. I saw the sun set over the wharf, the waiters catered to our needs, and while the food fell a little flat, there was a great vibe in the area that people of all ages can appreciate.

Paella: Spanish rice w chorizo, prawns, mussels, clams, saffron & chilli

Paella: Spanish rice w chorizo, prawns, mussels, clams, saffron & chilli

Riverina beef fillet

Riverina beef fillet served with Spinach and Paprika butter


Hostec has a go at SLAM Summer Beach Volleyball

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

On Saturday 27th February, a couple Hostec members thought they’d test their skills at SLAM Volleyball on Manly Beach. Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, the summer beach festival proved a must do. With teams dressed in fancy dress accompanied by musical mayhem, we gathered at Sydney’s Manly to check out the atmosphere and test our luck at a few games of volleyball. With a theme of op shop, there was everything from The Flinstones, army boys, mad hatters and the brightest and smallest bikinis.

While our Hostec members team didn’t win quite as many rounds as hoped (nothing to do with a huge lack of practice), the day was thoroughly enjoyed while listening to the mix of DJs, seeing the costumes, and spending the day in sun. SLAM still has a competition in Cronulla on March 13th, if you are keen to get play some volleyball and have some fun - be sure to click on the link above.

Hostec gets involved with SLAM Volleyball Festival

Hostec gets involved with SLAM Volleyball Festival


Top 5 Service Tips from Traineeships

Friday, February 26th, 2010

People love dealing with staff who truly love their job! Be excited when you welcome them, passionate when you when you communicate verbally or when using your body language, and show enthusiasm describing the benefits of your facilities and services. This WILL engage them.

You will never be criticised for doing too much for a customer! – Commit to creating a wow factor for your customers/ guests. Whether you make a courtesy call to newly arrived guest to advise of any specials in the restaurant, organise VIP treatment on their birthday, or provide a personal telephone wake up call, you have the power to make their day.

Acknowledge everyone – even if it’s a quick eye contact! – 92% of customers leave service providers as they feel being taken for granted. If you see customers/guest approaching while you are serving another customer always ensure you create eye contact with those who will have to wait while adding “ I will be with you shortly Sir/Madam”. They can see you are busy and just like you to acknowledge their presence.

Present yourself – well groomed with excellent posture. People love dealing with those who come across as professional and confident.

Products come and products got. Going the extra mile in your service delivery is what creates true value in the eyes of your customer, develop satisfaction and loyalty. Be sure to build /update your guest profile and use guest specific information to deliver personalised service.

Yours truly,

The Traineeships Team


Check into Studio Cafe at the Opera House

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

 

View from the Opera House

View from the Opera House

When you go to the Sydney Opera House  for a drink, the most obvious place it seems is to go to Opera Bar… Well last night I had a change of tune and decided to pop into one of the more unknown bars; Studio Cafe. Pleasantly surprised, located on the ground floor outside the Drama Theatre, we were seated immediately, the service was prompt and friendly. While I admit it was a quiet Tuesday night, it proved to be the more civilised venue of the selection of bars at one of Sydney’s most famous icons.

With a bit of research into the venue, I’ve discovered Studio Cafe has some very good specials. As you gaze out at the stunning Harbour Bridge (view pictured), you can get a main meal + wine for a reasonable $25, or for just $40 you can also get dessert and coffee (I believe you need to show your tickets to your intended theatre experience). As a true SydneysiderI admit I’m a little bias in saying that it’s hard to beat having a drink anywhere at the Opera House with the amazing view, but Studio Cafe was the answer to a quick and quiet meal before my theatre experience. A great selection of wines with accompanying bistro menu, I’m sure the Hostec crew will be dining there shorty.


My first week at Hostec!

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Honestly, I had no idea what to expect from my first week at Hostec. I knew I’d be thrown into a crazy and completely different routine but I was too excited to even think about it. I was shocked to see a student leave class without permission or not address the teacher with an ‘excuse me Mrs?’ but as the day continued I slowly took grasp of the fact that we are all adults and treated accordingly. My lecturer Petronella made me feel welcome and comfortable within our class and brought a fresh humour and warm personality to liven up class. As Hostec is both a college for International and Domestic student, it turns out that I happened to be the only ‘Australian’ student in my class. To be honest but, I love it. I love the mix of languages and cultures other students bring and look forward to learning more about them and their diverse cultures.

Having lunch in the Wynyard Park gives me a chance to relax and revitalize for afternoon class. I love sitting and watching the hussle and bustle of Sydney streets and the large array of people the city attracts! Overall my favourite part of college is that it’s in Sydney; completely and easily accessible from anywhere and close to anything important and entertaining!

Tomorrow we have class in The Menzies hotel, a grand hotel of Sydney and I can’t wait to be studying in somewhere different and amazing like The Menzies. Guess that’s the perks of studying with Hostec!

For now,
Danielle
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Hostec attends Centrelink Jobs Expo at Bankstown

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

On Friday 12th February, Hostec teamed with brother company JPR Security at the Centrelink Jobs Expoat Bankstown. The event was held to help job seekers find out about training opportunities and other ways in which would help them secure work. With special guests, entertainment, giveaways and a sausage sizzle, the free expo also hosted financial services seminars.

It was all about jobs job jobs on the day with over 7 000 job seekers attending the event. It was huge success and something Hostec and JPR Security were proud to be a part of putting our range of . Hostec’s stand attracted many interested seekers interested in seeking experience in the hospitality industry.

Amanda and Luci at Centrelink Jobs Expo

Amanda and Luci at Centrelink Jobs Expo


Hostec supports International Childhood Cancer Day

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Yesterday Monday 15th February; Hostec, combined with many other organisations to show our support for International Childhood Cancer Day. Also known as Ring a Bell for Ben, cathedral bells across the country were ringing to raise awareness about childhood cancer research and honour the life of Ben Clarke who lost his young fight with cancer in 2008.Approximately five of our Hostec team members were up early on the rainy morning selling golden ribbons for the occasion at Wynyard train station. With the head organiser of the event being the International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parent Organisations (ICCCPO), St Andrews Cathedral in Sydney rang their bells with a large gathering of people there to mark the occasion.

In association with Cure Our Kids whom we’ve shown our support to in the past, a big congratulations must go to the team there for organising volunteers. Also a big thank you our Hostec volunteers for their charitable efforts.

Yewande + Luci sell golden ribbons


Introducing Hostec Student Blogger, Danielle!

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Hi Everyone!

My name is Danielle Raunjak. I was lucky enough to successfully win the 2010 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Scholarship at Hostec International Academy! I have just completed my Year 12 studies at Bede Polding College in Windsor and look forward to a full packed adventurous year! I have recently become and food and beverage attendant at Crowne Plaza Norwest where I am learning everyday about myself and the best service I can give. Inserted is a photo of me working New Years Eve at Crowne Plaza! I enjoy work so much I find it hard to call it work! In my spare time I believe there is nothing better to do than eat delicious food and socialize with my unforgettable family and friends. I live about an hour west out of the city, so the hour and a half train ride may be exhausting but is well worth the culture and hussle and bussle of Sydney. I love China Town and Paddy’s Markets and couldn’t think of a better meeting spot than a good Yum Cha restaurant! My Dad was born in Austria whilst Mum was born in Fiji with Chinese, Samoan and Tongan running through her. I think the different cultures and traditions I have grown up around have allowed me to love Australia for its diversity and also made me grateful for what this amazing country has to offer.

I discovered Hostec through the annual Careers Expo held for Year 10 and 12 students at the Kingswood campus for UWS. This careers market changed my direction of schooling dramatically as I soaked up all information I could on colleges and courses for hospitality. I truly think that exposing yourself to resources such as careers expeditions and any information careers advisors give is the best advantage you can get in finding out what’s right for you. Hospitality has unconsciously been a way of life to me. I have grown up around great food, experienced many holidays from travelling to Fiji to camping down at the local river and always felt a reward in making people happy.

I can’t tell you what this year will hold for me, but I know it will go fast. I’m excited to meet both the international and domestic students I will be studying with and cant wait to develop myself and work within some of Sydney’s greatest hotels. I will update my blog regularly to keep you posted on the fun times and quirky tales of my life as a student. Becoming apart of Hostec I believe I am one step closer to where I want to be and I know that the teachers, resources and contacts Hostec has will enable me to grow as a person and within hospitality. I cant wait!

For now,

Danielle
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Experience the luxury of Melbourne at the Sofitel

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

The view from my window of Rod Laver ArenaLocated in the heart of Melbourne on Collins St, I was recently lucky enough to be treated to a couple of nights at the Sofitel. Visiting the beautiful city for the Australian Open (go Federer!), we thought it was best to do it in style. Just a 15 minute walk away from the courts, it truly felt like an escape from everyday hassles in Sydney. Just walking outside you are greeted to retail heaven, walking to the inner city for shopping to meet everyone’s shopping limits. It’s also a short walk away from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Arts Centre, the Aquarium and Federation Square.

Walking into my room I was delighted to see a fantastic view of the city. 47 levels up, it’s not the place to stay if you have a fear of heights as you gaze out to the flat city which just provides you with a bundle of ideas of what to get up to while on your stay in Melbourne. Starring out onto Rod Laver Arena I became more and more excited for my Federer semi final I’d witness, I would definitely recommend the Sofitel Melbourne for a stay in your travels to Victoria if you’re after a taste of luxury.


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