Catering and hospitality foundation apprenticeship
Level 2 · IntermediateCatering and hospitality 0.7 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Catering and Hospitality Foundation Apprenticeship introduces you to the range of careers in the food service and hospitality industry, from cooking and front of house to events and management. Apprentices develop core practical skills and professional behaviours alongside real workplace experience. It is a stepping stone to a full apprenticeship in a specific hospitality or catering pathway.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Overview of hospitality and catering industry sectors
Food hygiene and personal hygiene in catering
Basic food preparation and cooking techniques
Customer service standards in a hospitality setting
Teamwork and communication in a busy kitchen or front of house
Safe use of catering equipment under supervision
Stock handling and waste management basics
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Assist in the preparation and service of food and drinks
Support front of house teams during service
Help with mise en place and kitchen preparation tasks
Maintain personal hygiene and follow food safety rules
Clean and tidy workstations and service areas
Assist with stock rotation and storage checks
Observe and support colleagues across different sections
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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