CERT, the national body responsible for co-ordinating the education, recruitment and training of personnel for the tourism and catering industry in Ireland, is the biggest educator in the tourism industry.

According to a major employment survey of the tourism industry recently, CERT found that the most serious problem facing those involved in Ireland was being able to recruit suitably qualified staff for positions in the industry. As tourism is expected to grow by at least 4 per cent in 1997, CERT is managing a high-profile campaign to promote tourism as a worthy career that should be many people's first choice.

In its educational role, CERT's courses are delivered in partnership with many third-level colleges - especially RTCs and in PLCs - and directly by CERT and by companies within the tourism industry. It's important to note that CERT trainees follow national courses that meet the modern requirements of the expanding Irish tourism and catering industry. They are also certified by the National Tourism Certification Board (NTCB).

The principal courses offered by CERT are in the areas of waiting, chef, bartender, hotel receptionist, hospitality assistant, hotel and catering management, tourism assistant and accomodation assistant. If you are interested in studying for a CERT Certificate in Hotel Reception, for example, students follow a one-year full-time course available at a number of centres around the country.

For those interested in becoming a chef through CERT, you can take either a two-year full-time college course in professional cookery or work as a chef in industry and attend release training on the basis of one or two days college attendance per week.

Many students on CERT, courses wind up taking a whole range of six-month courses and accumulate qualifications towards a major managerial position in the industry. Periods of academic study are generally interspersed with a relevant amount of practical experience.