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This study programme is designed for 16 to 19 year olds (aged 19 to 24 for students with an Education, Health and Care Plan).

All courses take place on our Sixth Form Campus, therefore any applicants aged 25+ or over who do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan may be required to complete a DBS check as part of the conditional offer to West Suffolk College. The cost to the applicant for a DBS is £30.00 and the DBS check can be completed through the college.

Please visit our Adult EducationDegrees and Employer section for alternative courses.

About the course

This course will provide you with the fundamental foundation training for employment or further education within the hospitality industry. The aim of the course is to provide you with the basic practical skills, knowledge and confidence in food preparation, cooking, and food and beverage service. You'll develop relevant core skills for a career in the hospitality industry. You'll gain practical experience training in our purpose-built kitchens and upmarket restaurant Edmunds where you'll learn how to prepare and cook a variety of fresh foods, customer service, reception duties, and food and beverage service techniques. The course offers a broad range of vocational and functional skills training, preparing you for employment or for the next level of your education.

Entry requirements

No formal qualifications are needed, but you'll need to come to an interview and provide a positive school report, as well as take a short test in basic skills. GCSE in Food Technology is an advantage. A successful induction period will be needed to identify which Level 1 pathway is appropriate for you.

Qualifications

Level 1 Certificate in The Introduction to The Hospitality and Catering Industry, Level 2 Unit in Food Safety in Catering, Functional Skills in English and Mathematics.

What you'll learn (core modules)

Students enjoy a wide range of enrichment activities including team building, visits to hospitality establishments, demonstrations and talks from industrial experts and the opportunity to enter competitions. Some evening work will be required.

Subjects covered during the course will include: Food Safety, Kitchen Skills, Pastry and savoury products for the Restaurant, Restaurant and Bar Service, Customer Service, Reception Skills and Functional Skills (Mathematics, English and ICT). All students will do work related experience within the Campus catering facilities.

 

Any student aged 16 to 19 who does not hold a GCSE A* to C (9 to 4 on the new grading structure) or equivalent qualifications in Maths and English by age 16 will need to continue to study these subjects in each academic year.

Where will the course take me?

Successful completion of the course will allow you to gain employment or to progress onto Hospitality Operations Level 2, Professional Hospitality Diploma Level 1 (subject to an interview and positive report from the tutor) or an Apprenticeship.

Days & times

Starting September 2023


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