Press releases

Welcome to Excellence

19 October 2004

How many times have you been left feeling that the customer service you received has been at worst poor and often inadequate? Sadly, this is an all too frequent complaint as some businesses cut back on staff training, or fail to monitor customer satisfaction.

Thankfully a new national qualification has been introduced that will set challenging customer care standards.

‘Welcome to Excellence’ is a customer service training initiative originally developed by regional tourist boards. The new qualification, accredited by NCFE offers a Level 2 Certificate aimed at anyone working in the service sector, particularly hospitality, leisure, travel or tourism.

The Bournemouth & Poole College has been one of the first colleges in the country to embrace this newly accredited qualification. Presently over 200 full-time students on business or tourism related courses are embarking on this all-encompassing qualification alongside their studies, enabling them to acquire and develop the skills needed to provide high standards of customer care within any industry or future career.

Chris Kenton, Industry Liaison Co-ordinator at The College commented: “Bournemouth and Poole College are committed to ensuring that students gain relevant skills and qualifications that are valued by employers in the workplace. The ‘Welcome to Excellence’ qualification will particularly appeal to anyone working in the service sector or those looking to gain employment in the industry, as it demonstrates a recognised level of ability. We believe it will become the national customer service standard.”

Whilst predominantly aimed at hospitality and tourism, Chris believes that anyone working in a customer-facing environment would benefit from gaining this qualification because it focuses on key aspects of excellence in customer care.

As part of its services to business offer, the College is also able to provide bespoke training packages to local businesses interested in participating in ‘Welcome to Excellence’ programmes. For further information please contact Lara Melhuish on (01202) 205335, e-mail lmelhuish@bpc.ac.uk, call the College helpline on 01202 205205 or contact Dorset and New Forest Tourism Partnership on 01202 451151.


ends


Welcome to Excellence modules include:

  • Welcome Host (already recognised by employers as the benchmark for customer service training within the tourism industry on a national basis)
  • Welcome All – how to meet the needs and expectations of customers with special or specific needs
  • Welcome International – how to offer good service to overseas visitors
  • Welcome Line – sharpen up telephone and sales skills
  • Welcome Host Plus – how to exceed customer expectations and deliver world class service

NOTES TO EDITORS: Further information available from The Central Marketing Unit on 01202 205951 or department marketing co-ordinator, Lara Melhuish on 01202 205335.

Back to press releases