Service is the foundation of good operations and guest experience in the restaurant industry, says Ari Thorlacius, leader of the food and restaurant sectors. A new service and shift manager course from IÐAN Education Centre focuses on promoting professionalism and enhancing the quality of service, with an emphasis on educating staff in the industry at all levels.
“We can have high-quality food and a beautiful environment, but the guest's experience is primarily determined by interaction, professionalism, and service. With these courses, we want to strengthen professionalism and enhance the quality of the industry as a whole,” says Ari Thorlacius, head of the food and catering sectors at IÐAN.
In March, IÐAN is offering three courses for staff in the food and catering industry: Service Course – Foundation on 10 March, Service Course – Advanced on 17 March, and Shift Supervisor Course on 24 March.
We want to promote professionalism in the restaurant sector and increase the quality of both trained waiters and those who are unskilled. The service provided in restaurants affects the experience of both local and foreign guests. Through targeted education, we are building a stronger and more professional industry for the future.”
Trained staff make better decisions
Ari says it is important to offer courses at all levels. “We offer a foundation course for newcomers, an advanced course for those who have gained experience and want to deepen their knowledge, and special courses for shift supervisors and leaders. The goal is to create clear and realistic career development within the industry.”
Restaurants need to invest in their staff, says Ari, pointing out that better service leads to more satisfied guests. “If the guest goes home happy, they are more likely to come back. Trained staff show more confidence in their work, make better decisions, and work more efficiently. This strengthens both the team and the managers.”
Paths to career development
Many in the industry work in jobs that are not considered high-paying. Ari says that education increases staff competence and their potential to take on more responsibility. “This strengthens their CV and opens up paths for further career development, for example, into roles as shift supervisors or managers. Knowledge and professionalism are assets that stay with the individual.”
There are also great opportunities for unskilled workers. “With increased education, knowledge, and interest in the industry for unskilled staff, it can lead to even greater interest which may end in a validation of prior learning, which IÐAN Education Centre offers.”