NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Teachers and administrators at CC Sweeting recently celebrated the achievements of Career and Technical Education (CTE) students, who are armed with knowledge to deal with food safety and customer service and skills in delivering the “wow” factor for hotel guests.
The senior high school recognized February as CTE month under the theme “CTE teachers inspiring future entrepreneurs”.
Keisha Bonimy, subject coordinator, said eight students in the third cohort received Guest Service Goal Certification offered by American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. The program is designed to motivate and inspire hotel employees to provide service above and beyond the call of duty. Since 2019, 26 students have received the certification.
“Our CTE department is made up of Family and Consumer science, Technical Studies, Business, Cosmetology and Hospitality [subjects] ,” said Bonimy.
“In hospitality, we teach the students how make beds, how to set up and serve guests, how to clean guest rooms, housekeeping, food service, front desk service and tourism. What has changed now is the introduction of international certifications.”
Because of the COVID 19 protocols, the classes were taught using social media. Additional classes were offered on Saturdays to prepare the students who trained online for the certification. Students also sat BGCSE subjects during this period.
Chuck Smith, Hospitality and Tourism teacher and the only certified ServSafe proctor in The Bahamas, said the ServSafe course is a Food and Beverage Safety training and certificate program administered by the United States National Restaurant Association.
“This is a certificate they are getting in high school that adults on the job require,” he said. “They have a jump-start. This certificate is recognized all over the world. It is an entry-level certificate.”
Smith said he personally sponsored the first cohort of students for ServSafe.
“We get sponsorship from Sandals Foundation but hope to get more sponsorship for the students,” he said.
Raquel Turnquest, educational officer, Family and Consumer Science, said in the midst of a global pandemic, the importance of CTE in high schools is being realized even more.
“The main thrust now is entrepreneurship — becoming your own boss,” Turnquest said. “Sometimes you need to realize that you may be the job. You may have learned skills in your stint in high school that can take you to the next level. You are more employable than the average citizen in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”
She added: “I am encouraging every one of you to take what you are learning in the high schools super seriously.”
Raymond Rolle earned outstanding 100 percent scores in 4 certifications: Certified Guest Service Professional (American Hotel and Lodging), Restaurant Professional Learning Suite ServSuccess (National Restaurant Association), Restaurant Supervisor Learning Suite ServSuccess (National Restaurant Association) and Controlling Cost (managing inventory within a restaurant/hotel) ServSuccess (National Restaurant Association).
“In my free time during the pandemic, I was just taking certifications. I was tired of sitting home doing nothing,” said Rolle.
“I was able get the courses for free [so] I took the opportunity and was able to pass all with 100 percent. Each year, I’m trying to focus on improving myself and getting more certifications. I decided to give it my all and went full force. It left me exhausted but it was worth it. I’m just hungry for knowledge.”
Rolle, 17, is a 2020 graduate of CC Sweeting. He studied for the BGCSE while earning the certifications.
