Catering, Level 3

Course Information

Overview

Refine your culinary expertise with our Level 3 Food Production & Cooking course. Designed for students who have already completed a Level 2 qualification in catering, this advanced programme develops the skills, knowledge and professional behaviours needed to succeed in the hospitality industry or progress to higher education.

You will train in our industry-standard kitchens, producing sophisticated dishes for live restaurant services and weekly fine dining events at City View Restaurant. A weekly industry work placement arranged by the college provides valuable experience and helps you develop the confidence and professionalism expected by employers.

What you'll learn

Throughout this course, you will build advanced culinary and hospitality skills through practical, industry-focused learning. You will learn how to:

• Use advanced food preparation, cooking and presentation techniques.
• Plan, develop and produce professional menus and dishes.
• Work confidently during live restaurant services and hospitality events.
• Supervise and support others within a professional kitchen environment.
• Develop creativity, problem-solving skills and the ability to perform under pressure.
• Maintain professional standards and apply food safety practices.
• Work independently and take greater responsibility within hospitality settings.

Units you will study

• Develop Productive Working Relationships
• Maintain Health, Safety and Security in a Working Environment
• Prepare Meat for Complex Dishes
• Prepare Poultry for Complex Dishes
• Cook and Finish Complex Fish Dishes
• Cook and Finish Complex Meat Dishes
• Cook and Finish Complex Poultry Dishes
• Cook and Finish Complex Vegetable Dishes
• Prepare, Cook and Finish Complex Hot Sauces
• Prepare, Cook and Finish Complex Soups
• Prepare, Cook and Finish Dressings and Cold Sauces
• Prepare, Cook and Finish Complex Hot Desserts
• Prepare, Cook and Finish Complex Cold Desserts

Entry requirements

• A Level 2 Food Production & Cooking qualification or equivalent.
• A demonstrated passion for culinary arts and commitment to excellence.
• 4 GCSEs at Grade 4-9, including English and Maths.

How you'll be assessed

Assessment is designed to reflect real industry practice and takes place throughout the course. You will be assessed through a combination of practical assessments, observations and internally assessed theory assignments.

A key assessment is a week-long dish development project, where you will research, plan, develop, refine and present your own dish to a professional standard. Additional assessments take place during live restaurant services and industry-style activities, allowing you to demonstrate advanced cookery skills, organisation, creativity and professional working practices.

Where this course can take you

Successful completion of this course can lead directly to employment, higher-level apprenticeships or university study within hospitality, catering and related industries.

Career pathways may include:

• Chef de Partie
• Sous Chef
• Pastry Chef
• Restaurant Supervisor
• Food and Beverage Manager
• Events and Hospitality Management
• Senior culinary and management roles

Former students have progressed into professional kitchens, restaurants, luxury hotels, events, contract catering and hospitality management. Others have gone on to university study or established their own businesses.

Why study this course at SHC

A key feature of this course is the annual industry work placement, tailored to your career interests and the skills you want to develop. We work with a range of respected hospitality employers, providing valuable opportunities to gain real-world experience.

You will also benefit from masterclasses delivered by industry professionals, as well as visits to luxury hotels, restaurants and hospitality venues. An annual employer event gives you the opportunity to meet hospitality professionals, build your network and develop contacts that may support future employment opportunities.

Together, these experiences provide valuable industry exposure, helping you build confidence, develop professional skills and make informed decisions about your future career.

Course Code: 0033/1