Michael Caines Academy – Professional Cookery (and Food Service)

The Michael Caines Academy combines practical, professional catering and hospitality qualifications, with a range of visits, experiences, work placements and demonstrations involving the region’s most renowned food experts. It is designed to nurture the region’s future generation of talented restaurateurs, chefs, restaurant managers, waiters and front of house staff.  

On this course you will: 

• Develop your catering craft skills to an exceptional standard 

• Experience visits, placements, ‘farm to fork’ and ‘vine to glass’ sessions 

• Enjoy challenging practical and theoretical workshops 

• Attend masterclasses from industry leaders such as Michael Caines 

• Study for a Certificate in Food and Beverage Service and a Diploma in Professional Cookery 

• Work within the superbly equipped @thirty-four restaurant and kitchens 

• Attend a period of work placement with Michael Caines and his teams  

Assessment: Assignments and practical examinations.  

Choose this course if… you are looking to undertake high quality, industry standard training and have a real passion for cooking and the industry. It is ideal if you have the goal of becoming a professional chef and perhaps owning your own restaurant in the future.  

Future Steps: You could progress to the Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery to further your career opportunities. Future job roles see below. 

Three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths* 

You must be keen and interested in hospitality and catering and have an aptitude for hospitality skills 

A two day selection process will also form part of the entry requirements 

The Laurence Building boasts new facilities throughout including an IT suite, modern kitchens and a stunning commercial restaurant within the faculty. The Exeter College student-run restaurant, @thirty-four is located within the Laurence Building on the Hele Road campus. The award-winning restaurant is run by budding young chefs and enthusiastic waiting staff, who are all students studying with us. The restaurant has been awarded the AA College Restaurant of the Year, the highest accolade a college restaurant can achieve. This news comes shortly after receiving an AA Highly Commended College Rosette, find out more here.

Uniform, knives and equipment will cost approximately £350.00. This equipment will last you for your entire programme and will positively help start your career in the catering and hospitality sector.