G.U.E.S.T Advanced Valet Services (unit 09)

Description

Directed at experienced and senior steward/esses, as well as Chief steward/esses looking for assistance training. 

Course Overview

 Welcome to TCA’s Advanced Valet Service Course. Get ready to take your valet skills to the next level with this in-depth course that will equip you with the expertise needed to provide unrivalled luxury services and anticipate guest needs on board.

Students will discover how to establish a strong connection with guests, ensuring their utmost satisfaction. They will understand the critical importance of maintaining confidentiality, as well as the absolute need for discretion. 

The course will explore the diverse roles a valet can play, from providing secretarial assistance to managing household tasks, acting as a trusted assistant, and even chauffeuring guests. They will learn how to treat each guest's belongings with the utmost care, ensuring their garments, shoes, personal and delicate items are handled and stored correctly.

Participants will gain expertise in the art of packing and unpacking, ensuring guest items are elegantly presented and easily accessible. They will expand their knowledge of garment recognition and terminology, and understand the appropriate attire for different occasions, enhancing their ability to assist guests in selecting the perfect ensemble. Students will learn basic sewing techniques to provide quick and efficient repairs to guests' garments and discover the best practices for caring for specialised items like hats, wigs, and hairpieces to maintain their quality. They will perfect their ironing and pressing skills by learning how to handle various garments, including the proper use of starch for specific items and learn how to clean and maintain a variety of shoe styles and types. 

Ultimately participants will learn how to meticulously plan and prepare personal valet services before guest arrival, ensuring every detail is taken care of to create a seamless and exceptional experience and exceed guest expectations at every turn.

Course Format

Learning Journey

Total of 18 hours of blended learning; Online allowing students to join from any time-zone and location.

• Video introduction to Unit (10 minutes)
• Guided eLearning / Self-study through VLE (12.5 hours)
• Series of multiple-choice knowledge checks throughout course
• 1:1 tuition with trainer (1 hour)
• Two-part practical assessment comprising of one research assignment and one video assignment
• Online written examination (1 hour)   

Equipment required

• Good internet, computer & printer
• Device with video capabilities 
• Iron & ironing board
• Assortment of items for practical assessment:
• Dress shoes
• Shoe polish
• Needle & thread
• A garment that needs mending (tear, loose hem, missing button)
• A tie
• Clothing hangers
• Dress pants / trousers
• Sweater

Your Trainer

Sarah Wood

Born and raised on Canada’s Great Lakes, Sarah spent over ten years working between luxury estates and various superyachts, working her way up to Chief Stewardess on 40 to 85m vessels.

Since joining the Crew Academy team Sarah has been refreshing the interior courses and is excited to share her experience and love for the industry as an IAMI GUEST approved trainer, teaching an assortment of interior courses. Our blended eLearning courses include a face-to-face session with Sarah.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of the relationship between the guest and the valet
• The importance of upholding the utmost discretion and confidentiality
• How to apply professional & efficient valet services & anticipate guest needs.
• The duties of a valet, including acting as a butler, house person, secretary & chauffeur
• The principles of professional valet service & its use for present & future roles onboard & beyond
• How to apply high standards of care when handling guest garments, shoes, and personal items
• How to apply high standards of care and discretion when handling or [acing delicate items
• How to provide a range of luggage packing techniques including luxury suitcase packing
• How to correctly & efficiently arrange guest garments & personal items.
• The vast range of garment recognition & terminology & appropriate attire for occasions
• How to provide correct cleaning methods for a range of different styles & types of shoes
• The different types and styles of ties and how to correctly tie a bow ties & a gentleman's tie
• How to iron & press various items of guest clothes including starching of appropriate items
• How to care for and correctly store specialised items, such as fur, leather & shearling
• How to handle & care for hats, wigs & hair pieces
• How to provide minor sewing repairs to guest garments
• How to handle & care for guest grooming items & equipment
• How to prepare & provide a luxury bath & spa bath for a guest
• How to prepare and plan personal valet services for pre-guest arrival

Modules

Topic 1: The role of a valet

The criteria of professional and efficient valet duties and services

• The relationship between valet and employer or guest
• Discretion & confidentiality
• Duties of a valet
• The value of valet services
• Anticipating guest needs
• Forms of address

Topic 2: Wardrobe Management

How to correctly & successfully apply professional valet services for guest care & wardrobe management, with a good attention to detail.

• How to correctly press, iron, starch, arrange and return guest garments.
• How to apply the correct methods to professional pack and unpack guest luggage & handle garments & guest items
• The correct methods for wardrobe storage & placement of clothes and shoes
• The correct methods for organising & placement of guest personal items & toiletries
• Garment recognition & terminology
• How to apply minor repairs to garments
• How to care for fur, leather & shearling

Topic 3: Handling Guest Personal Items

How to correctly & successfully apply professional valet services for handling & caring for guest personal items, grooming equipment & shoe care, with a good attention to detail.

• The different types and uses of clothes brushes
• Handling hats, wigs & hairpieces
• The different types of ties, applicable uses, storage & care
• Understanding a gentleman’s grooming kit, equipment & uses
• Shoe care and the equipment & products used
• How to prepare a luxury guest bath & spa bat

Topic 4: Pre-arrival Services

How to correctly and successfully apply professional valet services for pre-arrival, with a good attention to detail

• The valet procedures, schedules & checklists
• The valet preparations for pre-guest arrival & importance for eye for detail and speed and time management.