The recent National Centre for Vocational Education Research, No Frills conference hosted at TasTAFE Drysdale Hobart provided the ultimate real-life learning experience for Drysdale students. Around 210 delegates attended the conference, with Drysdale students and staff providing all of the catering and front-of-house service throughout the three-day event. Cookery and Hospitality students prepared and served all of the morning and afternoon teas and lunches and as well as creating and serving 500 canapes at the welcome cocktail party and a three course meal for 130 delegates at the conference dinner held in the Drysdale South restaurant. NCVER Team Leader, Communications and Events, June Ingham said NCVER had hosted No Frills at a number of TAFES over the years and received exceptional service at Drysdale this year. “We and our delegates were extremely impressed with the service standards from the students, as well as their welcoming attitudes. Staff support was also exceptional. “Many of our staff and delegates gave positive feedback about their experience with the hospitality during the conference commenting on the hard work, great service and never failing politeness of students. “The students were professional, talented and made some incredible dishes that left us all in awe. “One delegate also commented that it was the best example they had seen of integrating student work and conference activities,” Ms Ingham said. Certificate III in Hospitality student, Tahlia Hosking, was one of the students who provided food and beverage service during the conference and said she enjoyed being part of the event. “It was a great learning experience and something I’d definitely recommend. It was a lot of fun and it was really good to be able to meet and talk to the people at the conference as well.” Drysdale South Education Manager, Jane Richardson, said the conference had been an opportunity for students to put the skills and knowledge they learnt in the classroom into practice. “It’s fantastic that a conference which is all about vocational education and training (VET) also helped provide a vocational training opportunity for students. “The students’ involvement will count towards their final course assessments.” Drysdale Events and Tourism students were also involved in the conference, assisting with registrations, logistics and providing information about local attractions to delegates. Representatives from federal and state government bodies, the academic community VET organisations and industry attended the annual conference which ran from 5-7 July. learning opportunities for Drysdale students Skills conference provides real life
Drysdale Student - Tahlia Hosking
August 2017 www.australianhotels.asn.au
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