Hospitality & Catering

Prepare for an exciting career in Hospitality and Catering

The Hospitality and Catering industry offers many exciting career opportunities and South Essex College is the perfect place to start your training. We offer a range of courses from Levels 1-3, and specialist courses in Professional Patisserie and Confectionary.

You will be taught in our industry-standard kitchens by experienced professionals who will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to gain employment in this fast-growing sector.

Completing your course sets you on the road to becoming a chef, work in a variety of positions in the food and beverage industry and progress to supervisory and managerial jobs.

Career destinations
  • Commis chef
  • Kitchen team member
  • Barrister
  • Pastry chef
  • Chef de partie
  • Baker
  • Restaurant team leader
  • Lecturer
  • Business owner

Success stories

Celebrating Success 2022: Jamie Murphy

Celebrating Success 2022: Jamie Murphy

Course studied

Professional Cookery Level 2 Diploma

I was able to not only study the course that I love, but I also met other students who were just as passionate about the course

Jamie received the Hospitality & Catering Student of the Year award because she has proved to be an excellent student, progressing from level 2 to the level 3 qualification achieving high grades throughout.

Jamie said she chose to study at South Essex College because it not only widened what course she could choose but it offered the one course that she is in love with. 

She said: “I feel absolutely thrilled to be receiving this award. What I enjoyed most was that I was able to not only study the course that I love, but I also met other students who were just as passionate about the course. I was able to connect with them with the same level of passion for the hospitality industry and shared all the unique dishes that we made throughout the years together. 

Jamie’s tutor said: “In her final year she is the only student from her group selected to represent the college in a national competition, showing enthusiasm and flare in all aspects of her practice. Jamie works at the Roslin part-time where she is a valued member of staff.

She has shown commitment to the course and the competition she is about to take part in. Her attendance and punctuality are outstanding at 100%, her behaviour is excellent showing great respect to her peers. She is an aspirational student to all around her.”

Jamie added: “The greatest achievement I have so far has to be winning silver at the Junior Pasta Competition in March 2022. South Essex College not only give you the opportunity to find the perfect course for you and your passions, but they also help you to achieve many things and help you when it comes to getting into your chosen career. 

“When I finish my course this year, I am hoping to be enrolling onto a further course to help me get the qualifications to become a teacher because in the future I would love to not only be teaching students how to become chefs but also pass on my knowledge and skills from my experiences in the industry onto them.”