Major hospitality industry training centre William Angliss has announced it will for the first time deliver Degrees in Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Management commencing 2007.

The move follows the approval of the degrees by the Office of Tertiary Training and Education that have been several years in the planning.

William Angliss Teaching and Learning director, Chris Coates, said he believed the introduction of the degrees was a “positive step” for the hospitality, tourism and foods industries to raise industry standards and enhance career opportunities across Australia. He said it was what the industry was looking for.

“It is the creative component—combining theory and analysis, with very strong practical learning that will make this Degree unique,” Coates said. “It will give many who have been in industry access to a Degree Program that meets their specific needs.

"Graduates will be better placed to take up management positions in the international market and can expect better conditions that they themselves can take responsibility for creating.

"It is particularly significant for those who have worked many years in industry, but with no qualifications to back them up".

The Degrees, a Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management and

Bachelor of Culinary Management were developed by William Angliss Institute in consultation with industry experts following research that identified a deficiency in the creative, analytical thinking process, said Coates.

These full time, four year Degrees include a year working in industry are designed to equip graduates with higher level management skills.

Enrolments are now being taken for the degree program.