Advanced Professional Catering Level 3 Diploma

What opportunities will this course give me?

Its no exaggeration to say that our Level 3 award in Catering will open you up to a world of opportunity.
Armed with this qualification, you will be confident and skilled to gain a successful job anywhere in the world. Past students have gone on to travel, working in hotels, restaurants and pubs in exciting locations thanks to the course.
Its a role that will always be required; the need for people to eat isnt going anywhere! That means youll always have a variety of work to choose from, if you are passionate and committed to the role.
The College boasts some fantastic industry links, all of which can be utilised to build connections within the sector. These include some of the best five star hotels in the south; Lainston House, Chewton Glen, Harbour Hotel and Limewood. We also have valuable links with local and international establishments, such as Holiday Inn, Premier Inn, River Cottage, The Ideal Collection and The White Star.
Previous students have progressed into successful jobs as Chef Managers, Head Chefs, Mixologists, Hosts, Event Managers and Restaurant Managers among lots more.

What will I be learning?

The Programme allows students to choose to specialise in either Kitchen and Larder or Patisserie and Confectionery. The programme will involve the completion of theory, practical assignments and exams as well as working in our kitchens in both a supervisory and hands on capacity. You will learn practical skills by preparing, cooking and presenting a range of complex foods within our kitchens. During your practical assessments you will be observed by our chef lecturers and will undertake written exams set by the awarding body.

You will be expected to complete written and word-processed tasks which enable you to demonstrate your understanding and knowledge. You will also be expected to give presentations as part of assignments. There will be the opportunity for menu development through the College's East Avenue restaurant including themed and special event menus. The programme also includes a compulsory two week work placement.

You will complete:
• VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Professional Cookery
• Functional Skills/GCSE
• Work Placement

Units include:
• Food safety for catering
• Advanced meat and offal
• Advanced poultry and game
• Advanced fish and shellfish
• Advanced vegetable and vegetarian dishes
• Planning for preparing, cooking and finishing dishes
• Supervise a safe working environment in the hospitality industry
• Practical gastronomy

Why is this course for me?

The opportunities are genuinely endless. And you wont be left to tackle them alone - well work alongside you to find your perfect path, supporting you so you leave with the best chances of on wards success.
Its an industry that is constantly growing; the jobs on offer are versatile, never restricted by location and always evolving.
Youll be learning as part of a vibrant community, with a bustling College atmosphere that brings a fun and sociable spin to your studies.
The course is designed to encourage creativity; youll have minimal exam work and leave with plentiful new practical skills that you can immediately put into action. Its a hands on programme - we believe you learn by doing - and youll finish with the confidence and tenacity to carve out your unique mark in the industry.

How will my learning be enhanced?

All students will receive a comprehensive induction, fully preparing them for the programme ahead. Youll also benefit from Google classroom, excellent WiFi and recording devices to make your studies as streamlined as possible.
In addition to your work inside the classroom, youll enjoy guest chef nights, cookery competitions, visits to Gastronomy London restaurants, external workshops, trade shows, cruise talks, charity dinners and trips to suppliers. No day is ever the same, and youll love the variety of extras on offer, all crafted to deepen your learning experience.
At Eastleigh, we place a strong focus on the value of work experience; its an important segment of the course, and our staff will work with you to find the prime placement for your ultimate aspirations.
Youll also take part in alcohol and drug awareness training and allergen online training, and leave with a Food Safety Award and industry recognised qualification.

Why is Eastleigh College my best choice?

Our facilities are modern, contemporary and very on trend - were renowned for it. Youll practice your skills in our vibrant restaurant, industry standard production kitchens and pastry kitchen; all are packed with the very best technology and equipment (including water baths, espuma guns, Vac Pac machines and rational ovens), giving you a taste of the real world.
Youll be taught by a driven, caring team, all highly experienced within the industry and dedicated to inspiring and educating their students. They make it their mission to help you in hitting your personal goals, taking an innovative approach to teaching to ensure that all learning styles are catered to.
We also have fantastic links to both professional bodies and industry leaders - this is invaluable when it comes to work experience and your future career journey.

What do I need to sign up?

You should have successfully completed Level 2 Professional Catering or Level 2 NVQ in Food Preparation and Cooking or Level 3 Hospitality.

You will need 4 GCSEs at Grade 3 including English Language and mathematics.

All learners without a GCSE at grade A*-C or 9-4 in English or Maths will be required, as a condition of the programme, to undertake either a GCSE or Functional Skills programme. Therefore, if you enter a programme with a Grade 3 in English or Maths, you will be required to take English or Maths as well.

For internal progression you will have completed L2 in the relevant vocational area and made positive progress to achieving your GCSE English and Maths (if below Grade 4) as well as demonstrating that you have upheld the college values.

You will require an interview with subject specialist staff to ensure you have a good understanding of the course you are applying for. Attendance and attainment reports from previous education will also be required.

Adult learners may apply for any of our full time and apprenticeship programmes and your vocational experience will also be taken into consideration alongside existing qualifications.

The programme is fully funded for learners aged 16-18.
For learners aged 19+ the price is upon application only, and after receiving information, advice & guidance.

Learners should also be able to demonstrate a good level of skills and knowledge in order to progress onto this programme and demonstrate experience of working both in a supervisory and management capacity.

Is there anything else I need to know?

We have our own East Avenue Restaurant which is open to the public and has regular theme evenings and a bar which is licensed to sell drinks to customers. Learners will work between a fully equipped pastry kitchen and a main kitchen for the preparation and production of food. You will need a chefs uniform and set of kitchen knives before the start of the programme.

All learners enrolled on a full-time study programme are expected to attend a compulsory work or industry placement during their course. The number of hours of placement will vary from 35 hours through to 750 hours, this variance is due to the differing types of assessment on each course.

Learners should be aware that this is compulsory part of their study programme and work / industry placements will take place during the college week.

Application Information

Please note that all courses are subject to minimum numbers and course descriptions may be subject to change. A place on your chosen course is not confirmed until all of the necessary enrolment paperwork is signed and any relevant fees are paid. The team will be in touch to discuss this with you, once your application has been processed.

Course Code

CKPCD3

Need some further advice?

Contact the Brand, Engagement and Learner Recruitment Team for further guidance - email bebetter@eastleigh.ac.uk or call 023 8091 1000.

The Equality Act

The College wishes to ensure that it complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. If you are a disabled person, please ensure that we know what you need so that we can make all reasonable adjustments to help you succeed.