The hospitality industry is the fourth biggest employer in the UK, accounting for 3.2 million jobs through direct employment and a further 2.8 million indirectly.
To be successful in this industry you will need to be committed, resilient, understand you will not be working a traditional “nine to five” and have customer service at the core of everything you do.
Professions in this industry range from chefs, bakers and restaurant and catering bar managers.
Programmes and qualifications available
Working as a commis chef is a great way of getting started in a kitchen; while it’s the most junior culinary role it provides a means of learning a range of key skills on the job. A commis chef prepares food and carries out basic cooking tasks under the supervision of a more senior chef. A primary objective of the commis chef is to learn and understand how to carry out the basic functions in every section of the kitchen. This gives them the opportunity to experience, consider and value each section with a view to choosing an area where they feel most inspired.
The learning journey of a chef will vary considerably from one individual to the next. However, it is the range of experiences in the basics gained in this role which provide the opportunities to progress to any future senior chef role.
Facilities and support
As a hospitality and catering apprentice with Activate Apprenticeships, you will have access to the following facilities at Activate Learning colleges:
- Libraries and learning environments
- Ability to borrow books and laptops
- Digital resources and programmes
- A student card – allowing you to take advantage of student discounts
- Can apply for an Apprentice extra Totum Card
Advice and support services for apprentices includes:
- Advice and Admissions
- Learning Support
- Student Support
- Impartial careers advisors
- 1:1 support
- A college nurse
- Free counselling service
Career pathways
A hospitality and catering apprenticeship can lead to a rewarding career in a variety of roles in the hospitality and catering industry. You may choose to progress with your employer, change jobs or study a higher-level apprenticeship.