English for Catering
Catering and Hospitality
Catering is the service of providing food for events. It can be on-premise where food is prepared, cooked and served at the same venue, or off-service where food is prepared and cooked at one venue then transported to another to be served. Typically, catering involves professionals preparing food to be served to a group of people for a pre-arranged time and fee. Traditionally considered a service employed by only the wealthy, today catering is widely used for events such as weddings and engagements, birthdays, corporate meetings, conventions and so on. It can consist of multiple course meals or simply refreshments.
A caterer’s reputation often depends on their ability to manage food safety issues, as well as the quality of food and service provided. Issues of keeping food warm or cool are usually dealt with using insulated coolers or refrigerated vehicles and portable warming units. Other considerations include the menu, the style of serving, styling of portions and garnishes, room arrangements and traffic flow. Some catering companies have evolved into complete event planners, including arrangements such as decorations, table settings, lighting, entertainment, etc.
English for Catering
For those wanting to live and study in an English speaking country such as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or South Africa, English colleges offer a range of courses. From general English courses that cover the basics and all the essentials, to specialised advanced courses such as the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English, there is a wide range available.
A course that specialises in learning the English language for the purpose of working in the hospitality or catering industries can also be very useful. Whether you want to pursue a career in these industries, or simply find work while studying or backpacking, such a specialised course can help you gain employment. As well as honing your skills in various aspects such as reading, speaking, writing and listening, a course in English for catering and hospitality would introduce students to industry terminology.