Professional Cookery – Michael Caines Academy

Inspired by our illustrious alumnus Michael Caines MBE, Exeter College has launched the Michael Caines Academy with the aim of nurturing the region’s future generation of talented restaurateurs, chefs, restaurant managers, waiters and front of house staff. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people seeking a career in hospitality at whatever level. It is more than just a course – with Michael directly involved, there will be high profile experiences, challenging practical and theoretical workshops and master classes from the very best in industry.

This course teaches you a variety of catering craft skills to a high standard. Practical work features strongly, supported by cookery theory, hospitality based assignments and question papers. You will work towards a VRQ1 Certificate in Food and Beverage Service and a Diploma in Professional Cookery within the realistic working environments of the @thirty-four restaurant and kitchens. Your learning will be supplemented by an array of Farm to Fork / Vine to Glass Experiences, guest chef appearances, workshops, visits, placements and much more!

This course is ideal 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.

The programme consists of a variety of experiences ranging from placements, visits, guest speakers, guest chefs and industry professionals. The qualification will challenge you practically and theoretically – regularly assessed with graded outcomes (pass, credit, distinction) The VRQ diplomas will aid your progression on to higher level programmes, Apprenticeships or into employment.

What topics will I study? 

• Introduction to the catering and hospitality industry
• Food Safety in Catering
• Health and Safety awareness for catering and hospitality
• Introduction to healthier foods and special diets
• Introduction to kitchen equipment
• Introduction to personal workplace skills
• Prepare and cook food by boiling, poaching and steaming
• Prepare and cook food by stewing and braising
• Prepare and cook food by baking, roasting and grilling
• Prepare and cook food by deep frying and shallow frying
• Regeneration of pre-prepared foods
• Cold food preparation
• Legislation in food and beverage service
• Understanding menus
• Introduction to personal workplace skills
• Dealing with payments and bookings
• Food and beverage service skills
• Bar Skills
• Hot beverage skills

You may do Functional Skills in IT, Communication and Application of Number.

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

What can I study alongside this course?

This course is studied on its own and cannot be combined with other courses. You may study Functional Skills in IT, Communication and Application of Numbers if required.

Next steps: 

You could progress to the Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery to further your career opportunities.

Standard entry requirements: Grade 4 in English Language and Maths. Plus, you will need one GCSE at grade 4 or above, or equivalent.

Subject specific entry requirements or recommendations: 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 commercialrestaurant within the faculty. New additional training facilities are currently being developed in the Laurence Building.

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.

This further education course is free for all 16-18 year olds who are resident in the UK and the European Economic Area for the last 3 years. (You must be under 19 on 31st August in the calendar year that you start your course). For any fee-related queries or further information, please contact the Advice and Recruitment Team on 01392 400444.