Hotel Porter
What is the work like?
Hotel porters are often the first people to greet guests at a hotel.
As a porter your work would include:
- helping guests by carrying luggage and showing them to their room
- advising on hotel facilities
- arranging taxis and parking cars
- running errands, such as taking and picking up dry cleaning
- taking messages
- giving directions
- answering queries and making reservations.
If the hotel has a conference suite, you may be responsible for moving and setting up equipment. In a large hotel, your duties may be more specialised.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need set qualifications to be a hotel porter, although employers will usually expect you to have a good general education. You may have an advantage when looking for work if you have experience of working with the public.
If you are applying for a job where you are expected to serve alcohol you will need to be age 18 or over. You will also need a full driving licence if your job involves parking guests' cars.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
When you start work as a hotel porter you will usually receive on-the-job training from experienced staff.
You may be able to work towards qualifications such as:
- NVQ Level 1 in Hospitality
- NVQ Level 2 in Multi-Skilled Hospitality Services.
Where can I go for more information?
Armstrong House
38 Market Square
Uxbridge
Middlesex
UB8 1LH
Tel: 0870 060 2550
http://www.uksp.co.uk/ (careers information)
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are around £11,000 a year.
- With experience, this may rise to between £12,000 and £15,000.
- Head porters at large hotels can earn up to £22,000 a year.
Shift allowance, overtime and tips can increase earnings.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work around 40 hours a week on a shift system, depending on the hotel. Part-time or seasonal work may be possible. Split shifts and overtime are common.
You would spend most of your work time on your feet, both indoors and outside. You would need to carry heavy or awkward loads such as luggage, laundry, furniture and conference equipment.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good communication skills
- strong customer service skills
- a friendly, professional and welcoming manner
- a smart appearance
- the ability to cope with carrying heavy luggage.
What opportunities are there?
There are vacancies for porters throughout the UK, although the number of opportunities varies depending on the area.
Your prospects for progression will depend on the size of your organisation. There is no career structure in small hotels, and you may need to change employers in order to progress. In larger hotels you are more likely to have the opportunity to progress to the job of head porter or concierge.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading:
caterer.com
catersearch.com
hcareers.co.uk
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
Search
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
