Hospitality Focus: Working in Catering and Hospitality 

Why study a Catering and Hospitality Course?

If you like the idea of working with food, drinks, restaurants and hotels, then a career in hospitality may be perfect for you! As well as roles in customer service and preparing food and drink, you could work in planning, ordering and buying supplies, or even managing the staff. 

We’ve been speaking to past students and some of our employer partners about the great careers available in hospitality to give you a flavour of what Catering and Hospitality is all about.  

Catering and Hospitality Courses

Why should I work in hospitality?

“Working in the hospitality business is all about people... customers, and employees. It is about being caring, hospitable and enjoying giving people a good time, whether that is a great meal, a fun party, giving a bride the best day of her life, or an event that will entertain thousands at a music prom or festival.  No two days will be the same. If you like variety, people and having fun then this is the industry for you.” 

Gill Hands – The Speech House Hotel 

How do our employer partners support students getting into hospitality?

“It’s really important to us that we can introduce new techniques and ingredients to the next generation of chefs, to spark a lifelong passion for creating beautiful food. We’re very passionate about growth and development within the hospitality industry so supporting young people who are aspiring to be chefs is something that we’re super passionate about. We want young people coming into hospitality to feel confident and comfortable; to see the younger generation develop and moving forward, which is why we put lots of time and effort into mentoring from a young age.”  

Martin Burge – Culinary Director, Farncombe Estate

“The Speech House Hotel has had a long working relationship with the college. Currently we have three chefs training in the kitchen, completing apprenticeships. In previous years we have trained staff in Front of House service areas. Employees have gained NVQ qualifications through Gloscol and as a result have been promoted within the hotel departments. We believe that training is vital for all employees and the best way for us as a hotel is to allow staff to train on the job whilst gaining a recognised qualification through Gloucestershire College.” 

Gill Hands – Director, The Speech House Hotel 

What do Catering and Hospitality alumni have to say

“The skill, the methods and the art of cooking are some of the most rewarding skills I learnt at college. I really enjoy being able to cook delicious food, and it's a lifelong skill that will gradually keep getting better over the course of life. Through experience at college, I learnt the reality of the industry and the struggle. Although the workload could be straining, I still found the experience good and helped me see what I needed to improve on. 

I am now a commis (trainee) chef at the Severn & Wye Smokery, with the kitchen run by Mark Stinchcombe who was the winner of MasterChef Professionals in 2015. Currently I'm doing Patisserie (desserts). I prefer to do desserts as I feel there is more depth in sweet dishes and many more ways of cooking them.” 

Clay Palmer – L3 Professional Cookery Alumni 

Study Catering and Hospitality Courses at Gloucestershire College 

If you’re inspired and want to find out more about our Catering and Hospitality courses, then take a look at the range of courses we have on offer: 

Catering and Hospitality Courses