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Year 12 Hospitality Students Gain Hands-On Experience at RACV Royal Pines Resort LIVET program

Twelve Year 12 students from Marist College Ashgrove’s SIT20332 Certificate II in Hospitality program recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in the LIVET Hospitality program at RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast. Across the week, students worked in two groups of six, gaining valuable hands-on experience in key hospitality areas, including Concierge, Front Desk Reception, Food and Beverage, Kitchen Preparation and the Golf Pro Shop and Buggies.

Concierge: Students shadowed experienced concierge staff, learning the importance of first impressions in a luxury resort setting. They assisted with greeting guests, handling luggage, providing local recommendations, and ensuring smooth arrivals and departures.

Front Desk Reception: At the heart of guest interactions, students experienced firsthand the operations of check-in and check-out procedures, reservation management, and guest inquiries. They gained insights into using hotel management systems and the significance of customer service in creating a welcoming environment.

Food and Beverage: In this area, students were immersed in table setting, and food service across multiple dining venues. They refined their hospitality etiquette, enhanced their understanding of processes, and developed barista skills in preparing and serving beverages to guests.

Kitchen Preparation: Behind the scenes, students worked alongside professional chefs in food preparation, plating and maintaining kitchen hygiene. They gained an appreciation for the fast-paced nature of a commercial kitchen while learning about food safety, handling skills and teamwork in a high-pressure environment.

Golf Pro Shop and Buggies: The students also explored the operations of the resort's golf facilities. They assisted with guest bookings, equipment rentals and the upkeep of golf carts, while also developing their customer service skills by engaging with guests and learning about the logistics of golf resort management.

The experience commenced with an early departure from Marist College at 7:00am, arriving at RACV Royal Pines Resort by 8:30am, just in time for the students’ first shift at 9:00am. The structured schedule saw all students complete three rotations on day one, with a one-hour lunch break, concluding their shift at 6:30pm. Dinner followed at 7:00pm, where the students enjoyed an exceptional dining experience, indulging in authentic Japanese cuisine one evening and savouring delicious Italian dishes the next. After their long but fulfilling days, students eagerly embraced recreational activities such as tennis and swimming, further strengthening their camaraderie and teamwork.

Throughout the week, the students showcased exceptional work ethic, motivation and enthusiasm, earning high praise from RACV staff. Their professionalism and eagerness to learn did not go unnoticed, with some students even receiving job offers as a result of their outstanding performance.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Robyn Gooley, Curriculum Leader of Vocation Education and

Ms Sue Going, our dedicated Hospitality teacher, for there unwavering support and guidance throughout this remarkable experience. Ms Going’s commitment to the program ensured that students not only gained invaluable industry insights and practical skills but also left with a greater appreciation for the diverse career opportunities within the hospitality sector.