Level 1
Hospitality & Catering Pathway, Vocational Studies
Level 1
Hospitality & Catering Pathway, Vocational Studies
Take your first step into the exciting world of hospitality and catering. This practical course introduces you to professional cookery, customer service, and front-of-house operations, helping you build the confidence and skills needed to progress into one of the UK's most dynamic industries.
Course Overview
The Hospitality & Catering Pathway is the ideal introduction if you're interested in a career working in professional kitchens, cafés, restaurants, hotels, or other hospitality venues. Combining practical cookery with front-of-house experience, you'll develop the core skills needed to succeed while exploring the many career opportunities available across the hospitality industry.
You'll be taught by experienced hospitality professionals in industry-standard training kitchens and restaurant facilities, where you'll learn through practical sessions, demonstrations, and real-life service experiences. From preparing food safely to serving customers and creating quality coffee as a barista, you'll gain valuable experience in every aspect of hospitality.
As part of the Level 1 Vocational Studies programme, you'll also have the opportunity to explore other vocational pathways during the year before deciding on your specialist progression route. Alongside your hospitality training, you'll develop valuable employability skills including communication, teamwork, time management, and personal confidence.
As a member of Weston College's Hospitality & Catering Career Excellence Hub, you'll benefit from employer engagement, industry visits, guest chefs, competitions, and career-focused activities designed to prepare you for your future career.
What will I study?
Throughout the course, you'll develop practical hospitality and catering skills while gaining an understanding of how professional kitchens and hospitality businesses operate.
Topics include:
• Food hygiene and safety • Food preparation skills • Using professional kitchen equipment • Customer service • Food service • Serving food and drinks • Barista skills • Front-of-house operations • Teamwork and communication • Personal development and employability skills
At the beginning of the academic year, you'll also take part in a residential trip focused on team building, confidence, and personal development.
As part of the wider Level 1 programme, you'll have opportunities to explore other vocational areas before choosing your preferred progression pathway.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment combines practical and theoretical learning throughout the course.
Assessment includes:
• Live practical assessments • Written assignments • Short-answer assessments • Multiple-choice knowledge tests
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
• Membership of Weston College's Hospitality & Catering Career Excellence Hub • Industry-standard training kitchens and restaurant facilities • Front-of-house and barista experience • Employer visits and guest chefs • Career planning and progression support • Educational visits, including Farm to Fork at Puxton Park • Opportunities to experience customer-facing service from an early stage
Front-of-house service and barista training are essential parts of the course and are just as important as developing your practical cookery skills.
Hospitality courses require professional uniform and equipment. Full details of kit and uniform requirements will be provided before enrolment. Learners should be aware that a bursary application and/or £100 deposit will be required before starting the programme, with additional kit costs discussed during enrolment.
Entry Requirements
• GCSE English and maths at Grade 2 or above
If you have not yet achieved Grade 4 in English and maths, you will continue to study these subjects alongside your vocational programme.
What can I do after this course?
Successful completion of this course provides an excellent foundation for further study within hospitality and catering.
You could progress to:
• Level 2 Hospitality & Catering • Professional Cookery programmes • Hospitality apprenticeships • Other Level 2 vocational qualifications
Following further study, career opportunities could include:
• Commis Chef • Barista • Front of House Assistant • Restaurant Assistant • Café Team Member • Hospitality Assistant
This course gives you the practical skills, confidence, and experience needed to begin building a successful career in one of the UK's largest and most varied industries.
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you'll be taken through to our application portal.
Want to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event.
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