Canada is a service-oriented nation. Service is the core of the hospitality industry and menu management is a huge part of its success. Here are the reasons why you should consider a career in hospitality, specifically in the foodservices industry:
  • Canada's service-oriented culture and the growth of the foodservice sector is contributing to the job creations and high employment levels in this area.
  • High turnover rates provide further job openings. However, the unemployment rate in the food service industry is quite low.
  • According to the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association, the $60-billion foodservice industry is one of the largest employers in Canada.
  • Education is getting more prominence in hospitality professionals but experience is still very important. College and vocational graduates fair strongly against other job applicants.
  • Career development is foreseeable in all levels with opportunities to transition to similar positions or higher skill-levels, in consideration with an individual's experience and skills

A Toronto community college offers a program targeted specifically for the needs of this job sector. The Hospitality Management – Restaurant and Catering (1808) program at Centennial College blends food theory, business practices, and management principles into one curriculum with academic training and a field placement on the final semester. The college's teamwork environment and excellent professors have contributed to the soft skills and transferable skills that students will apply as industry professionals. The unique learning at Centennial College consists of the valuable learning experiences and program benefits:
  • Up-to-date industry standards and ethical business practices in the hospitality industry
  • Program accredited by UNWTO TedQual, which enables graduates to be eligible to apply for industry certification after the completion of the two-year program
  • Restaurant and catering training in Centennial's lab facilities, residence, meeting rooms and banquet space called the Culinary Art Centre, and its student-run restaurant called Horizons.
  • 240 hours of field placement in a hospitality setting in the food and beverage industry
  • Helps in managing the lunch service, and the occasional an all-you-can-eat buffet, at the Horizons Restaurant
  • Experience in managing the college restaurant's special three-course meal, Table d'hote menu, with a selection of items for the appetizer, main course, and dessert
  • Further study with the following partner universities: Vancouver Island University, Athabasca University, Royal Roads University, University of New Brunswick, and the International Hotel Management Institute (Switzerland)

Graduates of this Hospitality Management program can expect to complete human resource management responsibilities such as the hiring process, job skills training, performance evaluations, and scheduling. They will have learned valuable design techniques as a restaurant manager and the business skills of a leader in such establishment. The program offered by Centennial College can be completed within four semesters at the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culture, starting in the fall semester. Students of any discipline are welcome to try this exciting management program for the restaurant and catering business.