The Hospitality and Catering industry provides the public with food, drink and accommodation. It is constantly changing and growing so employment prospects are good for qualified staff.

Jobs range from those preparing food and cooking, serving food and drink, welcoming guests, and housekeeping behind the scenes. All these require managers with higher level business and management skills, especially marketing and people management. Some jobs, such as skilled chefs, are highly creative.

There are many relevant courses to prepare for entry to the industry at all levels and those with ability and who are hard working can progress quickly. Small employers may offer more limited opportunities for promotion so moving between employers may be necessary to progress.

Some people set up their own business, for example a restaurant or small hotel. However, strong practical skills, experience and knowledge of the hospitality and catering industry are needed to ensure success.
(Source: jobs4u)

This area looks at just four different job areas in the Hospitality & Catering sector, with three possible career routes for each:

You can get your qualifications by taking vocational courses or studying while in employment as well as by the more traditional full time education route. The important thing is to choose a route that suits you.

Remember these are career pathways, and you can get on or off the pathway at any point!

Mature students without formal qualifications are advised to talk to their local nextstep provider www.nextstep.org.uk One year Access to Higher Education courses give adults without formal qualifications the chance to study at degree level. Contact individual colleges and universities to discuss their entry requirements.

There’s a lot you can do to help your Hospitality and Catering career outside formal learning: