Catering

The Catering Department offers an ideal training environment for young people who would like a career in this vocational area. All aspects of catering, in the large commercial kitchen, delivery area and college dining halls, are covered in the training schedule, directed towards the National Proficiency Tests Council’s Certificate in Skills for Working Life, Edexcel Level 1 BTEC Introductory Certificate, and National Vocational Qualifications at Levels 1 and 2.  These qualifications are gained through continual assessment of competence in a real work environment.

All catering students follow a training programme, which introduces students to a range of food preparation and cooking skills and the use of a range of different commodities. The programme includes food safety, storage, preparation and cooking of food (with religious, ethnic and dietary requirements), baking and confectionery, food and drinks service (in the dining halls), the receipt and delivery of goods into and from the department, assembling of food orders and the presentation and service of meals to specific deadlines. It is also designed to develop a range of employability skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for success in working life.

The kitchen, providing meals for students, staff and members of the public, has a wide range of modern trade equipment to give an extensive knowledge of methods that may be used in open employment.  Most students gain additional work experience in local catering establishments, some gain ‘front of house’ experience on campus serving in student dining halls, Betty’s Coffee Shop and Tiffins.

The Catering Department offers Foundation Learning, leading to a destination in supported employment and accreditation in the Catering Industry, including:

Basic Food Safety
Health and Safety Awareness in the Workplace
NPTC Skills for Working Life at Entry Levels 2 and 3 – in Preparing for Work, Catering, Dining Area Service and Cooking
NCFE IT Award
BTEC Level 1 Introductory Certificate – The Aspiring Chef.
NVQ Food Preparation and Cooking Levels 1 and 2
NVQ Food and Drink Service Level 1