Catering, Level 2

Course Information

Overview

This one-year City & Guilds Level 2 course develops the practical skills and knowledge needed to work confidently in a professional hospitality environment. You will learn through regular hands-on experience in our City View Restaurant, preparing, cooking and serving food for real customers.

Throughout the course, you will build your cookery skills, develop excellent customer service techniques and gain experience of working in both kitchen and front-of-house roles. You will also learn the professional standards, behaviours and safe working practices expected within the hospitality industry.

What you'll learn

You will develop the skills and knowledge required to work in professional hospitality and catering environments, including:

• Preparing, cooking and presenting a range of dishes to a professional standard
• Developing advanced cookery techniques and kitchen skills
• Serving food and delivering excellent customer service
• Working effectively as part of kitchen and front-of-house teams
• Food safety, hygiene and safe working practices
• Professional communication and behaviours within the hospitality industry

You will apply these skills through live restaurant services, preparing and serving food for paying customers in a realistic working environment.

Units you will study

• Create a Positive Impression
• Convert a Room for Dining
• Promote New Items
• Set and Close a Kitchen
• Produce Basic Fish Dishes
• Produce Basic Meat Dishes
• Produce Basic Poultry Dishes
• Produce Vegetable Dishes
• Produce Basic Hot Sauces
• Produce Basic Pasta Dishes
• Produce Basic Bread and Bun Dough
• Produce Basic Pastry Dishes
• Prepare Basic Cakes, Scones and Sponges
• Produce Basic Hot and Cold Desserts
• Produce Cold Starters and Salads

Alongside these units, you will take part in regular live services in our City View Restaurant, developing practical experience in food production and customer service.

You will also complete a week-long Level 2 work experience placement within the hospitality industry, giving you the opportunity to apply your skills in a professional workplace and gain valuable industry experience.

Entry requirements

To enrol on this course, you will need:

• An NVQ Level 1 qualification in Food Preparation & Cooking, or an equivalent qualification
• Grade 2 or above in GCSE Maths and English
• A passion for cooking and hospitality

How you'll be assessed

Assessment is designed to reflect real industry practice. You will be assessed mainly through practical assessments and observations carried out during kitchen production and live service in our City View Restaurant.

There is also a small amount of internally assessed theory, including written assignments and short-answer tasks, which support and develop your practical knowledge.

There are no final exams. Your progress is assessed throughout the year.

Where this course can take you

Successful students can progress to Level 3 Hospitality or Catering, subject to meeting SHC attendance and progression guidelines.

As you continue to develop your skills, you may progress into employment, apprenticeships or higher education. Hospitality and catering can lead to careers in professional kitchens, restaurants, hotels, bars, cafés, events and hospitality management.

Former SHC students have progressed to university, successful careers within the hospitality industry and established their own businesses.

Why study this course at SHC

Hospitality and Catering at SHC gives you the opportunity to develop your skills in realistic industry environments and gain valuable experience beyond the classroom.

You will regularly work in our professional kitchens and City View Restaurant, preparing and serving food for real customers while developing the confidence and professional standards expected by employers.

A key highlight of this course is a dedicated week of industry work experience, allowing you to work alongside hospitality professionals, experience a real workplace and build valuable employability skills.

You will also benefit from industry trips, employer visits, workshops and masterclasses, supported by our strong relationships with hospitality employers. These experiences help prepare you for progression to Level 3, an apprenticeship or employment.

Course Code: 0031/1