The value of technical skills
WITH employers now requiring global, skill-driven attributes from job applicants, international certification plays a major part in helping one acquire a job anywhere in the world.
With this in mind, Berjaya TVET College (BTC) has launched a City & Guilds centre to satisfy requirements of the industry and provide an avenue for students to acquire a top-notch, internationally recognised technical and vocational education and training (TVET) qualification.
Originating from the United Kingdom, City & Guilds adopts centres worldwide, enabling people and organisations to develop skills for personal and economic growth.
Qualifications from City & Guilds are much sought after as they are developed in collaboration with key industries, ensuring they are relevant to the market and thus enhancing career prospects for learners. These qualifications have been proven against global benchmarks for excellence.
BTC offers City & Guilds qualifications in the areas of hospitality, culinary arts and information technology. Subsequently, students will be able to obtain a certificate, diploma or advanced diploma in culinary arts, patisserie, food and beverage services, accommodation services, reception services and information technology systems support.
Each of these qualifications is stand-alone and can be used to obtain employment or as a stepping stone from the certificate level to diploma level before continuing to the advanced diploma and degree levels.
For students under the City & Guilds-recognised diploma programmes in culinary arts or patisserie, they will also receive recognition from the World Association of Chefs’ Societies – providing a value-added certification that is recognised worldwide.
The teaching style at BTC is practical-oriented and designed to nurture students personally and professionally to be competent and proficient in undertaking tasks required in their careers.
The lessons incorporate activities that encourage personal development. Classes on communication and living skills are also included in BTC programmes.
The final semester is a designated internship period, which is important in ensuring that students are exposed to a real-life working environment. BTC is supported by the Berjaya Corporation Berhad group of companies in this respect, as BTC students can pursue their internship with these companies.
In addition to the above, BTC offers the International Award in Barista Skills for anyone who is interested in entering the food and beverage or hospitality industry as a barista.
This allows students to gain an internationally recognised qualification that enables them to work in any food and beverage outlet as a barista. This course can be completed in a month on part-time basis.
Finally, BTC offers two City & Guilds-awarded Skill Proficiency Certificates in the areas of housekeeping and food and beverage that can be completed within four months. These short programmes provide students with basic knowledge in these areas without having to undergo formal examinations.
To enter any of these courses, the only requirement is to be 16 years old. The other thing you need is passion for one of the many areas of study and BTC will ensure you obtain the required skills and knowledge for employment.