Advanced Professional Cookery (Patisserie and Confectionery) Level 3

Catering Manager

Catering managers (also known as food service managers) work with chefs and catering assistants to plan and organise the food and drink service of an organisation or business. As a catering manager, you would make sure that the quality of the food is of a high standard. You would also be responsible for meeting financial targets.

To do this job, you will need to be able to lead and manage staff. You will also need strong customer service skills, and be comfortable working with figures. If you are passionate about food, and want a varied working environment, then this role could suit you well.

To apply for a trainee manager job, you will usually need a good standard of general education, and some relevant experience.

Mobile Catering Assistant

As a mobile catering assistant or street food trader, you will serve customers hot and cold drinks, and food and snacks from a stall, cart or van.

If you are interested in working with food and you enjoy travelling and meeting people, then this job could be for you. You’ll need to be physically fit as you’ll be on your feet for most of your shift, and you’ll also need to work well under pressure.

Most mobile catering assistants come into the role with some previous catering or retail experience, although this is not essential. It may also help if you have a basic food hygiene qualification.

Restaurant Manager

Restaurant managers are responsible for making sure that their restaurants run efficiently, and that customers are satisfied with the quality of food and service they receive.

If good food and great service are important to you, this is a role that could suit you well. To do this job, you will need the ability to manage staff. You will also need strong customer service skills, and be comfortable working with figures.

To apply for a trainee manager job, you will usually need a good standard of general education and some relevant work experience.

Hotel Manager

As a hotel manager you will oversee all aspects of running a hotel, from housekeeping and general maintenance to budget management and marketing. If you enjoy working with people in a very busy environment then hotel work may offer the opportunities you’re looking for.

You’ll need a good eye for detail and have strong business and communication skills. You’ll also need the ability to think on your feet and have a sensitive and diplomatic approach to problem solving.

You may get into this job by starting in a junior position and working your way up to management by gaining experience. Alternatively, you can work towards a qualification like a foundation degree, HND or degree and enter as trainee hotel manager. You may also be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship.

Chef

Chefs prepare food using a variety of cooking methods. In large kitchens they usually work as part of a team. The head chef runs the entire kitchen.

You will need to have a keen interest in food and cooking, and be able to do several tasks at once. You’ll be able to show off your creative side by presenting dishes in imaginative ways.

If you love food and really enjoy cooking, this could be the perfect career for you.

You may not need any academic qualifications to start work as a trainee chef, although it may help if you have a good general standard of education including GCSEs in subjects like English and maths.

Kitchen Manager (head Chef)

As a kitchen manager or head chef, you would use your knowledge and experience of professional cooking to lead a team of staff and efficiently run a kitchen.

In this job you will need good leadership skills. You will need to work quickly and calmly when under pressure. You will also need to control a budget. If you are interested in food and you can lead a team in an organised way, this job could be perfect for you.

To get into this job you will need experience in a professional kitchen, running your own section. You can work your way up from kitchen assistant to trainee chef, then section chef and manager/head chef. You may also be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme.

Events Manager

If you enjoy planning, organising and meeting people, this could be just what you are looking for. Events managers are responsible for organising and running all kinds of events. You would control the whole project, from planning at the start to running the event on the day.

Taking a qualification in events management may help you but it’s not essential if you can get relevant work experience.

To become an events manager, you will need to have good communication and 'people' skills. You will need to be good at problem-solving. You will also need to have lots of determination and a positive attitude.

Bar Person

Bar staff serve drinks in places like pubs, clubs and wine bars. They also serve drinks in hotels. In this work you will serve a wide variety of different people each day. If you enjoy meeting people and have an outgoing personality, becoming a bar person could be the right choice for you.

To be a bar person, you need to have good communication skills. You need to be able to take and remember orders. You also will need patience when dealing with demanding customers.

For this role employers don’t tend to look for specific qualifications or training. They are often looking instead for the right personality and/or experience.

Barista

Baristas make and serve coffee in cafes, coffee shop chains, restaurants and hotels. As a barista you will use a coffee machine to produce espresso coffee and make it into lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. You will also serve light meals and snacks.

To get into this work, you need good customer service skills and the ability to work well on your own and in a team. If you enjoy working in a fast paced environment, and you love the smell of fresh coffee, this job could be for you.

It may help you to find work if you have some GCSEs. Work experience in a related area like customer service, retail or catering, will also help to set you apart from the competition. You may be able to enter this role through an Apprenticeship scheme if there is one available locally.