Academy of Food & Wine Service

General information

TRAINING

The Academy of Food & Wine Service has devised, in conjunction with industry, a number of training programmes and materials that give the hospitality sector the front-of-house skills they require, but at a fraction of the cost normally associated with such training. This is achieved through donations from organisations such as the Savoy Educational Trust, as well as sponsorships from industry suppliers.

The AFWS training programmes range from 90-minute master classes through to a 10-day foundation course in food & beverage service.

* Licence to Work in Food & Beverage Service

Created with help from employers and financial support from the Savoy Educational Trust, this is a five-day course designed to equip those planning on entering the industry, or who are about to commence their first job, with the necessary skills required.

The module covers food and wine service; communication skills; customer service; health & safety, basic food hygiene and interpersonal skills (appearance, interview skills etc.).

A 60-hour version of the same programme is also available.

* Licence to Work in Hospitality Service

A five-day course offering a first step on the career ladder and a job in the hospitality industry.
Includes:
• A job interview with a top hotel, restaurant, bar or contract caterer?
• AFW Certificate & membership?
• People 1st UK Skills Passport?
• Food hygiene certificate
The course includes learning about food, and wine service techniques, equipment and skills in a fun and practical way.
There is no minimum educational requirement, although you need to understand, speak and write English.
Please email training@afws.co.uk for further details.

* Professional Connoisseur Series: Senses, Service & Skills – An Introduction to Sommellerie

This is a half-day, beginner’s guide to the basics of sommellerie (wine waiting). Delegates will learn all the essential basics about wine, the major varietals, wine service and winemaking. Plus they will learn what is involved in a sommelier’s day.

This module includes:
• What is a sommelier
• Wine service and what it involves
• A day in the life of a sommelier
• The basics of wine
• Outline of major grape varietals
• The process of winemaking
• Basics of glassware and handling

This module can be turned into a day’s course with a tutored tasting by particular producers in the afternoon.

* Academy Advantage Masterclasses

In conjunction with the UK Guild of Restaurant Service and the UK Guild of Wine Service this series of masterclasses meets the need for short, sharp and effective bite-sized training.

• We provide focussed learning in 90-minute bite-sized sessions at a fraction of the cost usually associated with this sort of training.
• Our courses aim to equip delegates with skills they can put into action immediately.
• We run our courses at times that suit hospitality professionals.
• Our Advantage presenters are passionate about their topics and offer a wealth of knowledge, often gained from years of experience.
• Subjects include a number of topics aimed increasing average spend and upselling; building and motivating a team; improving customer service, the service marketing mix, and conflict resolution.

* Product Tutorials

Generally a two-hour long tutorial or tasting focussing on a particular country or regional grape variety, brand or local product. Designed for wine waiters, sommeliers, F&B supervisors and others interested in gaining more product knowledge, these tutorials are a great way to immerse your staff in the topic of the day.

* Performance Improvement Programme

This two-day (12 hour) programme provides delegates with the knowledge to improve profit performance through customer service.
Delegates learn about customer service, up-selling and how to get the best from the customer to improve the bottom line.

The cost of £200 per delegate (£400 for non-members) is subsidised by the Academy of Food & Wine Service and is aimed at supervisors and managers, with a view to them imparting this knowledge to the rest of their team

* Training packs

The Academy can offer a selection of training materials to its members. Each can be used in bite-sized modules, when time allows.

The packs can be used by an individual or (with the purchase of additional licenses) by a trainer to a group of people.

The packs focus on various elements of front of house and include customer service (three levels), food service, wine service, meetings & events service and bar service.

Please email training@afws.co.uk for more details on any of these course.