"I just love working here, its not really like a normal job. You get a real buzz from the customers it’s rewarding and you can have more fun than you can in banking!"

Bar Supervisor My name is Trina and I am bar supervisor here at the Leeds Marriot. Having worked in banking for a number of years this has been a big career change for me but I really enjoy it and the environment. You get a real buzz from the customers it’s rewarding and you can have more fun than you can in banking! You don’t generally need a string of qualifications to work in this industry; it is mainly to do with you as a person. If you have a good personality and are prepared to work hard then you can go places. There are in-house courses to assist you in development and help you progress into a management role. I’d like to become Bars Manager next and then within a couple of years move into a Food & Beverage Manager’s position.

A Day in the Life

Firstly I open up the bar and stock up. I then set tables with menus and start preparing the bar with ice, lemon, glasses etc. When the bar is ready I open up and start to serve drinks and food throughout the day until I cash up and leave ready for the next shift.

Background and Training

• I have done cross training within the hotel and can work in most of the departments.
• I am Duty Manager trained. I have completed spirit to serve and hospitality training along with up selling training.
• Everyday we complete 15 minutes training within the departments.
• I have also completed the steps supervisory course in house. I have also done the compulsory training courses i.e. COSHH, Food and Hygiene, fire training and H&S.
• I have recently completed an Interbrew Brewmaster course on how to pour the perfect pint.
• I have also undertaken daily standard auditing within the hotel

Career Progression

I have worked in the hospitality industry for 4 years. During this time I have attended many in house courses on customer service and setting service standards. I gave adopted many skills personally and I use these to undertake my job to the full.

I would like to develop myself to the level of food and beverage manager within the next two years. Looking beyond that, the opportunity to open my own bar is my dream.

Qualifications Needed

No formal qualifications are needed although Maths and English are useful, as is a foreign language.

College courses offer 1 or 2 year full time courses leading to catering an hospitality NVQs/SVQ qualifications.

National traineeships and modern apprenticeships may give you the opportunity to train while you work.

Qualities Needed

Good communication skills, likes working with people and has a practical approach.