In early 2026, the new Receptionist training program started at CVO Brussel Campus COOVI. In this program, you learn the ins and outs of professional reception across various companies and sectors. How did the first semester of this training go, and what stood out most to the teachers?
Ayman and Inès, receptionist students, welcomed visitors during CVO Brussels' information day.
Kaatje Dermaut looks back enthusiastically. She is a teacher at CVO Brussel and teaches the courses Business English and Business German. "Compare this training to Brussels: international, multilingual, dynamic, and people-oriented. A receptionist is often the first person visitors meet and must therefore communicate professionally with a wide variety of people," says Kaatje Dermaut. She notices that the students are highly motivated for her subject. "This is truly a privilege. Many students choose to become receptionists because they want to develop their professional communication skills. Languages and customer-focused contact appeal to them. At CVO Brussel, this is the only training where German is offered. This in itself is motivating for those who want to learn a new language."
Alain Bloeykens recognizes this motivation in the students. For the first time, he teaches Communication and Reception. He first looked for the best way to practically convey the subject matter to this predominantly young group of students. "Communication is a very broad field. We don’t just talk about verbal communication but also non-verbal communication. This can only be effectively taught by giving assignments and showing videos. Students not only see how it should be done but also how it should not be done. I try to connect with their world. I show interest and explore the things they find fascinating. For example, I had a student with a great passion for cars perform a role-play set at the reception of a car show. I was surprised by how quickly this student’s motivation grew and how much they learned. This applies to the entire group, actually. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy teaching this course."
"Compare this training to Brussels: international, multilingual, dynamic, and people-oriented."
Kaatje Dermaut also believes the training challenges students to grow. "In my course, developing the confidence to speak in a professional context and in another language is not always easy. German, in particular, is often a hurdle at first. Many students are initially hesitant to actively use the language. I try to create a safe learning environment where mistakes are allowed. Students learn to build self-confidence step by step through concrete exercises and role-plays. Once they realize they can communicate effectively, that hurdle quickly disappears. The German lessons, in particular, have stayed with me. It’s wonderful to see how, after just one lesson, students spontaneously greet their classmates and other teachers in German."
Alain Bloeykens picks up on this with another example from his class. "I notice that students place a lot of importance on responsibility. Once they realize how important their role is, their motivation grows. A receptionist doesn’t just welcome guests but also manages a schedule and is part of an organization. That organization can align perfectly with their own interests: a sports event, a production company, a fashion show… If I were to compare this training to a city, it would be Ghent: versatile, with busy streets and quiet alleys, from ugly to breathtakingly beautiful, and a mix of cultures. You always feel welcome and at home there."
"I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy teaching this course."
As with other CVO Brussel training programs, practice is central here. Both teachers place great importance on teaching skills that students can immediately apply in the job market. With passion, they show interest in their students. In this way, they connect with their reality, which motivates the students. This helps them later to enthusiastically look for a job.
What are the strengths of the Receptionist training?
Not yet convinced why the EMS training is so interesting? Here are the main benefits:
- Communication skills: You become stronger in verbal and non-verbal communication.
- People skills: You learn to better empathize with others and resolve situations.
- Language skills: You learn English and German.
- Job security: Your versatility is expanded; you can work in a sector that suits you.
Do you also want to become a receptionist?
The Receptionist training is for those who enjoy working with people, want to learn to communicate smoothly, and are ready to become the point of contact for an organization or company.