The Irish International Hotel and Catering School (IIHCS) is an institute based in Galway, Ireland. Founded in 2003, the school has been providing education for prospective hotel management and catering professionals ever since by offering a variety of courses to become a further education college that meets the needs of students from all walks of life.

The IIHCS provides full-time courses on culinary, cookery and tourism that are all approved by (Further Education and Training Awards Council). Our courses focus is on both theory and practical application. In addition to regular classes, there will be placement sessions in various restaurants and hotels. The courses offered have been expanded recently to include marketing, business and IT related awards from FETAC, for students with a better mastering of the English language.
Work placement is a part of the certification process, and is supervised by IIHCS for ensuring quality and excellence.

The school's status as a registered provider of FETAC ensures that graduates of the IIHCS will be acknowledged in all European Union countries, and enables further studies in Ireland. Graduates are awarded the FETAC National Certificate (NTCBs), recognized in Ireland, the EU and beyond.

Ireland is a beautiful place that has many opportunities for catering and hotel management professionals, and chances for further studies.

Tourism is one of the most important aspects in a service-based economy, and the cornerstones of tourism are hotel and catering. These industries are demanding and professionals are highly valued.

Currently, responsibility for education lies within the Department of Education and Science.It administers all aspects of education policy including curricula, syllabi and national examinations. Attendance at full time education is compulsory in Ireland from six to fifteen years of age and is free in the majority of schools, and at undergraduate third-level. Education is considered a fundamental right under our constitution.
Until 2001 there were several different awarding bodies involved in certifying programmes of education and training. These include FÁS, NCVA, Teagasc, Fáilte Ireland, NCEA, the Institutes of Technology, DIT and the Universities. All of these bodies offered opportunities for learners to get qualifications – yet it wasn’t always clear how one award or qualification related to another. This made it more difficult for learners to get access to a particular programme, or to transfer from one programme to another as their learning progressed.

The NFQ was introduced in 2003 as a system of 10 Levels. The 10 Levels encompass all learning, from the very initial stages to the most advanced. The 'fan diagram' PDF Document. Link opens in a new browser window illustrates the 10 levels and the 'Major Award types' that are included in it.

School, further education (FETAC awards) and higher education (DIT, university and HETAC awards) are all included. For instance, the Junior Certificate is at Level 3, apprenticeship qualifications are at Level 6, the Honours Bachelor Degree is at Level 8, the Doctoral Degree is at Level 10.
The NFQ has introduced new qualifications to the Irish education and training system, such as the Advanced Certificate at Level 6 and the Ordinary Bachelor Degree at Level 7. It has revolutionised further education through the development of Levels 1-6 qualifications.

The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC)The term " Further Education" embraces education and training which occurs after second-level schooling but which is not part of the third level system. Post Leaving Certificate courses (PLCs) are run by a wide range of both public and private colleges and institutions and lead to awards validated by the Irish government's awards agency - Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) , as well as awards validated by a range of Irish, UK and other international awarding bodies. PLC courses take place in schools, colleges and community education centres around the country. The courses are full-time and last for one or two years. Post Leaving Certificate courses adopt an integrated approach, focusing on technical knowledge, core skills and work experience. They are designed as a step towards skilled employment and, as such, are closely linked to industry and its needs. The qualification you receive at the end of your training will depend on the type of course you have chosen. Many of the one year PLC courses offer FETAC accreditation at level 5, while other more advanced courses may offer FETAC level 6, which can lead to further studies at third level. In addition, a number of Irish semi-state agencies are involved in providing industry specific training. The two main such agencies are : FÁS and Failte Ireland. FÁS - the Training and Employment Authority - runs a wide range of training schemes and is responsible for apprenticeship training in Ireland. Failte Ireland - the national tourism agency - provides courses in tourism and catering.
www.iihcs.com
www.iicshk.com
Hong kong Services Centre: www.iihcs.hk

Irish International Business School