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Not sure? No problem

Choosing what to study can be challenging. Speak to one of our advisors to find out what your options are.

Advice & Help Centre

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

The course is designed to give students a sound foundation in craft skills in the catering industry. It gives a good professional practical and theoretical foundation of food preparation and cooking, plus food and drink service, offering an initial step to someone who has strong practical skills with managerial potential.

Entry requirements

At least one GCSE at grade C or above and one at grade D or above to include English, or relevant experience within the industry. Applicants will be required to attend 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. In addition, a successful induction period will be required to identify which Level 1 pathway is appropriate for each student.

Qualifications

Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Professional Cookery, Level 1 Food and Beverage Service, Level 2 Unit in Food Safety in Catering, Functional Skills in English and/or Mathematics.

What you'll learn (core modules)

A course designed to produce the future crafts people in the catering industry, it concentrates on; food preparation and cookery, pastry work, restaurant service skills plus the theory underpinning these areas. It also includes food safety studies (achievement of the basic certificate associated with this must be attained during your first term) and other core skills such as communication, numeracy, organisational and investigative skills.

There are practical assessments throughout the year, two major practical tests (which account for 45% of the final marks) and theoretical written units to support your practical work eg design a healthy eating leaflet, produce a poster showing the uses of a range of knives used in the kitchen. Some evening work will be required. 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?

Progression to Professional Hospitality Diploma Level 2. After completion of Professional Hospitality Diploma Level 2, students can progress to a Level 3 course (2 pathways) subject to a selection process, or they may prefer to work locally, nationally or internationally as opportunities exist for committed and successful students. Of the students who completed this course last year 100% continued with their existing programme of study.

Days & times

Starting September 2023


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