
Course Title: Housekeeping Operations
Duration: 8 Months
Certification: VTA Recognized Certificate
Location: Zanzibar
Target Group: Form Four Leavers, Hotel Staff, and Tourism Enthusiasts
Course Description
This course equips students with essential skills in housekeeping operations, preparing them to maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and comfort in hospitality establishments such as hotels, guesthouses, resorts, and lodges across Zanzibar. Learners will receive practical and theoretical training aligned with the standards and expectations of the tourism sector.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, trainees will be able to:
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Understand the structure and responsibilities of the housekeeping department
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Clean and maintain guest rooms and public areas to high standards
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Handle laundry and linen operations efficiently
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Operate housekeeping equipment and tools safely
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Apply occupational health and safety measures
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Provide professional service to guests and ensure their comfort
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Promote environmental-friendly cleaning practices
Course Modules
1. Introduction to Housekeeping
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Importance of housekeeping in the hospitality industry
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Structure of the housekeeping department
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Roles and responsibilities of housekeeping staff
2. Guest Room Cleaning Procedures
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Types of rooms and layouts
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Bed making and turn-down services
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Cleaning schedules and checklists
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Room inspection standards
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Handling lost and found items
3. Public Area and Back-of-House Cleaning
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Cleaning lobbies, corridors, stairways, and restrooms
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Cleaning offices, back-of-house, and storage areas
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Use of warning signs and safety precautions
4. Cleaning Tools and Equipment
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Types and use of cleaning tools (mops, vacuums, etc.)
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Operation of cleaning machines
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Storage and care of equipment
5. Linen and Laundry Operations
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Types of linen and fabrics
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Laundry washing and drying procedures
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Sorting, folding, ironing, and linen distribution
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Inventory and control of linen and uniforms
6. Housekeeping Chemicals and Supplies
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Types of cleaning agents and their uses
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Safety handling of chemicals
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Labeling and storage procedures
7. Occupational Health, Safety & Hygiene
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Safe cleaning practices
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Personal hygiene and grooming
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Fire prevention and emergency response
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First aid basics in housekeeping
8. Guest Service and Communication
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Professional communication with guests and staff
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Guest requests and room service etiquette
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Handling complaints professionally
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Cultural awareness and customer care
9. Environmental Awareness in Housekeeping
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Water and energy conservation
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Use of eco-friendly cleaning products
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Waste sorting and management
10. Professionalism and Workplace Readiness
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Timekeeping and teamwork
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Ethics and confidentiality
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Grooming and presentation
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Preparing for job interviews and employment
Training Methodology
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Classroom-based theoretical learning
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Hands-on practical training
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Role-playing and demonstrations
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Field visits to hotels and resorts
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Guest speakers from hospitality industry
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1-Month Industrial Attachment/Internship
Course Assessment
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Class participation and assignments
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Practical housekeeping demonstrations
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Weekly and module tests
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Final exam (written and practical)
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Internship report and performance evaluation
Certification
Upon successful completion, students will be awarded a VTA-Certified Certificate in Housekeeping Operations, enabling them to:
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Seek employment in hotels, resorts, guesthouses, or lodges
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Start their own housekeeping service
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Enroll in a diploma program in hospitality or tourism