Language and Hospitality - Municipality of Apeldoorn
Integrated approach leading to work
Da Capo Foundation
Language & Hospitality. An orientation course for working in the hospitality industry, a combination of theory and practice. The program includes site visits to Van der Valk and Sodexo, among others. And during the lessons, students can practice immediately in the on-site café.
A collaboration between TopTaal and the Da Capo Foundation in Apeldoorn. The Da Capo Foundation offers (migrant) women opportunities to learn new competencies and skills. This enables them to participate more effectively in society and enter the labor market in voluntary or paid positions. Like TopTaal, the Da Capo Foundation opts for an integrated approach and offers various activities leading to social activation and work. Specific wishes and needs of participants are met as much as possible so they can optimally develop their knowledge, skills, and talents.
Our students want to explore jobs in the hospitality industry.
Orientation course
Marleen Hoogeboom from Da Capo developed the Language & Hospitality orientation course in collaboration with TopTaal. TopTaal is responsible for the language component and Da Capo for the connection to practice. Twice a week, teacher Margriet Breet provides information about the opportunities for working in the hospitality industry. Furthermore, the students work with Margriet on improving their Dutch language skills, specifically focusing on topics such as hospitality, product knowledge, and employee skills. In addition, students receive lessons in cooking, setting tables, and serving. And they can practice immediately in the on-site café.
Margriet Breet enjoys teaching her students. 'Our students want to explore jobs in the hospitality industry. Some of them want to pursue further education, while others want to enter the labor market directly. With this course, they learn a lot about working in the kitchen of a restaurant, café, or hotel. Over twelve weeks, they receive theory and practical lessons and the opportunity to obtain the Hygiene certificate.
The emphasis within this course is on self-development. The students encourage each other, and a nice bond has formed between them. For example, there is a student who wants to start a small catering business and asks the others for advice. I am strict, though, because I make them all work hard. You hear them grumbling when they get so much homework! Then I point out that people work hard in the hospitality industry. You have to be on time, keep your appointments, and do your best. "In the Netherlands, we all work hard," I often say.'