Professional Catering Level 2

What opportunities will this course give me?

The world of catering and hospitality is rich with opportunity. The industry employs over 1.9 million people and is worth more than £8 billion to the UK economy. Its an exciting industry to be part of, with fast-changing trends and a diverse number of roles available. Career choices range from working in a hotel, bar or restaurant to travelling the world on cruise ships, airlines or within the armed forces. Other options include working as an events manager, a head chef, restaurant manager, general manager or catering manager. With the industry functioning 24/7/365 the environment offers flexibility for employees.

Work experience is a very important part of this full-time course. Students gain plentiful opportunities to work in local restaurants, as well as working in our assessment kitchens and the East Avenue Restaurant, gaining valuable experience and a portfolio of evidence. This work regularly leads to employment and apprenticeship opportunities once students finish their College course.

This course also gives you an excellent grounding towards further study. You could progress onto the level 3 Professional Catering or level 3 Food and Beverage subject to successful assessment interview and meeting all the College expectations on your current programme. You should also be able to work independently and to show supervisory and leadership qualities.

What will I be learning?

Your programme will involve practical work in our kitchens and restaurant. Theory will take place in a classroom environment. You will work in groups for practical, and you may be required to complete some assessed coursework individually or working in pairs.

You will study how to prepare and cook meat and offal, poultry, fish and shellfish. Other units include giving customers a positive impression, legislation in food and beverage service, health and safety in catering and hospitality, food safety in catering, principles of customer service in hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism, food service and investigate the catering and hospitality industry.

Your programme will involve practical work in our kitchens and restaurant. Theory will take place in a classroom environment. You will work in groups for practical, but you may be required to complete some assessed coursework individually or working in pairs.

You will complete:
• VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Food, Beverage and Professional Cookery studies
• Functional Skills/GCSE
• Work Placement
All students without an A*-C grade in English or Maths will be required, as a condition of the programme, to undertake either a GCSE or Functional Skills programme.

Why is this course for me?

A variety of high level practical skills are taught, plus students gain valuable work experience and good progression routes. You will be assessed by completing coursework which is related to the working practices that take place in the kitchens and restaurant. You will be observed throughout the year and assessed by the chef lecturers and restaurant lecturers.

How will my learning be enhanced?

Students gain valuable work experience in our state-of-the-art restaurant and kitchens, working with top-rate modern equipment. Learning is boosted by talks, training sessions and visits by guest speakers including famous chefs talking to you about the world of hospitality and catering.

Why is Eastleigh College my best choice?

We are proud to offer students access to our purpose-built kitchens and our own restaurant - East Avenue Restaurant - which is open to the public, hosts regular theme evenings, and has a licensed bar. Students work between a fully equipped pastry kitchen and main kitchen for the preparation and production of food. In addition to gaining confidence in the kitchen, they also learn customer service skills and gain bar experience. Our teaching team are all highly skilled staff with extensive industry experience which keeps the learning current and fresh.

What do I need to sign up?

Students should be able to work independently and demonstrate potential to develop leadership and supervisory skills.

You will need 4 GCSEs at Grade 3 including English Language and mathematics plus Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Professional Cookery Studies or other suitable level 1 catering qualification.

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 should have achieved L1 in the relevant area as well as progressing your GCSE English and mathematics (if below a 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.

Is there anything else I need to know?

We have our own restaurant - East Avenue Restaurant which is open to the public which has regular theme evenings, and a bar, which is licensed to sell drinks to customers. Students work between a fully equipped pastry kitchen and main kitchen for the preparation and production of food. You will need to purchase a uniform and equipment at an extra cost of approximately £220 before the start of the course.

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

CKHCV2

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.