Hospitality and catering applicants

 You have made a great decision choosing West Notts!

Student activities

Training in the kitchen

Professional chefs provide high quality training.

Hotel takeover

Thoresby Hotel and Spa saw new additions to its staffing last week as students took on roles as chefs, bartenders and maintenance personnel in an award-winning annual partnership.

Industry workshops

An industrious series of workshops and guest speakers, to give students an insight into their chosen careers.

Cook up a treat

Exquisite meals cooked and served by our students in the Refined restaurant.

Hotel takeover

See how successful our students were working in a range of hospitality, catering and maintenance roles during the fifth hotel takeover at Thoresby Hall Hotel and Spa.

Meet our teachers

Jo Wilson

Lee Coupe

Mark Jones

Neil Wilson

Tom Timms

FAQs

• Where will I study?

  All of our hospitality and catering courses are based at our Derby Road campus, Mansfield, which has an on-site fine dining restaurant that is open to the public.

• What is it like?

  The college is a professional, adult environment intended to prepare you to work in your chosen industry. As such, we expect students’ behaviour to reflect the world of work. Attendance and punctuality are crucial in the hospitality and catering industry so that the team can be as effective as possible. Our kitchens contain equipment and tools that can be dangerous if not used properly so very high standards of behaviour are also expected.

• What will I study?

  You will study through a mixture of practical sessions and classroom learning. In kitchens and restaurants you will spend a lot of time standing. Level 1 learning is very project-based, while level 2 study has a much greater emphasis on practical skills. Level 3 learning tends to be more academic-based.

• What about English and maths?

  If you start at college and you haven’t yet achieved your English and maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, then you will continue to study these alongside your chosen course. At the end of your first year you will take a re-sit GCSE exam. It is important you attend your English and maths lessons alongside your chosen course.

• What will I have to wear?

  Students will be asked to wear a uniform in the restaurant, and kitchen whites and safety shoes in the kitchen. These will need to be purchased. If you are working front-of-house you will be in a customer-facing role so high levels of personal presentation will be required. Personal hygiene is our top priority – the wearing of jewellery and make-up is to be kept to a minimum, and nail polish or false nails will not be allowed. In the classroom you are able to wear whatever you like as long as it’s appropriate and isn’t offensive.

• Will I have to do a work placement?

  At levels 2 and 3 students would be expected to complete a work placement. This is a great way of getting your foot in the door with an employer. Many of our students already have part-time jobs in the sector that can count towards work placement hours.

  All of our students will be able to also get engaged with our learning companies, which provide in-house opportunities to gain real-world experience. This year students are providing a take-away service for college staff!

Not answered your question? Then ask your teacher

Send your questions to your teachers using our simple online form.