Welcome To Hospitality!

Instructors

Malek, Karina
Department Head, Tourism, Hospitality and Guest Services Management
karina.malek@cttech.org
203-674-5716
Jenkins, Kendra
Instructor, Tourism, Hospitality, and Guest Services Management
kendra.jenkins@cttech.org
203-674-5715

See What’s Happening Today!

Visit the Hospitality, Tourism, and Guest Services Management (Wright Tech) website for the latest news, including information on the department’s newest initiative the Wright Bean. The Stamford Advocate newspaper shone a light on The Wright Bean recently. Trade students have been gaining first hand experience developing a business concept, testing recipes, managing inventory, and providing customer service. For the full story, click HERE

Course Descriptions*

Connecticut Technical Education and Career System’s Tourism, Hospitality and Guest Services Management course breakdown by grade. Each student is required to complete four years of a Career Technical Education program.

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
3 Credits 3 Credits 3 Credits 3 Credits
Exploratory and Introduction to Hospitality Guest Services Management Advanced Guest Services Management Professional Hospitality

Students deciding to enter the field of Tourism, Hospitality and Guest Services Management will be introduced to many career opportunities in the field. All students will be introduced to soft skills necessary to succeed in the hospitality industry. Students will explore the major areas in the field, including lodging, food and beverage and travel and tourism. Technology-related mathematics, reading, business writing and vocabulary are integrated throughout the curriculum. Grade 9 students will also be introduced to the customer service industry through facility tours. Students learn about travel and tourism, food service, guest services as well as local leisure services.

Students in Grade 10 will begin an in-depth study of Guest Services Management which includes accommodations, food and beverage, transportation and local area attractions. Students begin to develop basic guest service skills through role-playing of meeting and greeting guests, telephone operations and handling guest complaints. Business communication skills are an important aspect of Grade 10. Students will focus on business writing and oral communication skills. Sophomore students will complete an in-depth study of front office operations and explore the guest cycle starting with reservations and continuing through check-out. They continue to develop guest service skills through site tours and job shadowing.

Students in Grade 11 will focus on food and beverage service including dining room and banquet service. Students start to prepare for Skills USA competition and the food and beverage performance assessment. Guest service and business etiquette in the workplace is a primary focus of Grade 11. Juniors continue to develop their portfolio including completion of job applications and cover letters, soft skill development including critical thinking, communication skills and problem solving. Juniors also continue with training through Virtual Business Restaurant and Virtual Business Personal Finance online simulations. Students will demonstrate the highest standard of food safety training by completing ServSafe Certification through the National Restaurant Association. They do extensive preparation for job interviews. Students create a resume and cover letter and do live mock interviews with industry professionals. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-based Learning (WBL).

In Grade 12, students continue to develop guest services and soft skills in anticipation of entering the hospitality industry. Seniors complete their resume as part of their portfolio and master interview skills — both critical aspects of preparing to enter the workforce. Team building, leadership skills and equality in the workplace are explored in relation to guest service management. Sales and marketing, including event planning, developing business relationships and internal and external sales are key components to master during senior year. Students continue to participate in job shadowing activities at various approved sites. Seniors are also provided an opportunity to interview for various positions with local hospitality businesses including the two casinos in southeastern Connecticut. They culminate the year with a Senior Project which prepares them for work opportunities in the Hospitality industry. Students receive a professional certification in Hospitality and Tourism Management Professional (CHTMP) through the American Hotel and Lodging Association, students must complete a 100 hour on-site workplace component to receive this certification.

Students can choose to further their education at numerous colleges and universities across the country in order to obtain a two- or four-year degree in travel tourism and hospitality management related fields. Immediate employment opportunities include: casinos, hotels and resorts, restaurants and banquet facilities and many customer service establishments.