Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 1 Vocational Related Qualification |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:00 to 4:15. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. Some evening work will be required. |
| Entry requirements | At least one GCSE at grade 4 or above and one at grade 3 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. |
| Campus | Edmunds Restaurant, Main West Suffolk College Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes |
Is it for me?
Whether you're into sauteing, stirring, serving, smiling, or shaking cocktails, this course will provide you with the fundamental foundation training for employment or further education within the hospitality industry and offers a great first step to someone who has strong practical skills with managerial potential.
This course is 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.
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, provide outstanding customer service and friendly reception duties, alongside food and beverage service techniques.
What you'll learn
- Food Safety
- Kitchen Skills
- Pastry and Savoury Products for the Restaurant
- Restaurant and Bar Service
- Customer Service
- Reception Skills
- Functional Skills (Mathematics, English and ICT)
While you're here you'll also 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.
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.
Work experience placements
All students will do work related experience within the campus catering facilities. Some evening work is required
Assessment
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.
Further study
- Professional Cookery VRQ 2
- Hospitality Operations NVQ 2
- Hospitality Supervision and Event Management Diploma Level 3
- Patisserie and Confectionary Diploma Level 3
- Professional Chefs Advanced Diploma Level 3
Example careers
- Baker
- Butcher
- Chef
- Catering Manager
- Bar Manager
- Restaurant Manager
- Events Manager
- Cake Decorator
- Cellar Technician
- Food Scientist
- Hotel Manager
- Concierge
- Microbrewer
- Street Food Trader
- Wedding Planner
- Private Chef
Days & times
Starting September 2025