Catering and hospitality is an industry that is constantly changing and developing. It provides the public with food, drink and accommodation. There are jobs at all levels, from assistant level to senior management.

In our newly developed facilities The Kitchen, students operate a production kitchen and oversee restaurant facilities which create a realistic working environment. Students are taught conventional, commercial and emerging methods of preparing and serving food and are supported by a highly qualified and experience team of chef lecturers and restaurant managers.

Students learn the fundamental elements of team development, people management, event planning and accommodation operations.

After completing your course you may progress to employment in the hotel, catering and hospitality industries, or go on to further study.

Catering and hospitality students’ activities:

• Student chefs battle it out in campus contest

Full-time courses:    

• Catering Entry Level Foundation Pathway
• Chef and Restaurant Level 1 Certificate
• Chef and Restaurant Level 2 Certificate
• Hospitality BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary/Extended Diploma

Visit our course search page for further information. 

Part-time courses:

• Food Safety in Catering Level 2 Award
• Food and Beverage Service NVQ Level 2 Diploma
• General Patisserie and Confectionary Certificate
• Professional Cookery NVQ Level 2 Diploma
• Professional Cookery (Preparation and Cooking) NVQ Level 3 Diploma
• Setting the Perfect Dinner Table for the Festive Season
• How to Make Bread
• Baking a Cake
• Making a Perfect Cocktail
• Noodles for Beginners
• Junior Chefs’ Club (14 – 16 year olds) 

Visit our course search page for further information. 

Apprenticeships

• Food and Beverage Service Level 2 Apprenticeship
• Food and Beverage Service Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Professional Cookery Level 2 Apprenticeship
• Professional Cookery Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Visit our Apprenticeships page for further information.

Case Study

Hasan Nawaz
Chef and Restaurant Level 1 Certificate

Why this course?

I had looked around for a while and did my homework on the best courses available to me in the industry before accepting a place at Reading College. I am really enjoying it and the best part is I am learning my craft from chefs who have all worked professionally in the industry. We train in commercial kitchens too so I have the benefit of learning in an authentic environment similar to how my workplace will be.

What next?

I have had a brilliant start to my professional training and I am keen to add to it to make me a great chef. I have been offered an Apprenticeship which may eventually see me working at The Dorchester and The Ritz in London. I’d also like to work abroad, in Paris maybe.