Catering Professional VRQ Diploma

Catering Professional VRQ Diploma
Exam board: EDEXCEL
NCS Course Code Level 1: V1FPRAP
NCS Course Code Level 2: V2FPRAP
NCS Course Code Level 3: V3FPRAP
Aim If you are an aspiring chef looking for a rewarding career in hospitality industry your future starts here at the Catering Academy at New College Stamford. Take your first steps towards a career as a top chef with the Professional Diploma in Catering.

This series of qualifications is an exciting and challenging new approach to vocational training for the hospitality and catering industry. It has been designed to meet the needs of employers across a range of hospitality & catering establishments. The Diploma will give you the confidence and culinary skills you need to be fully prepared for the demands of working in a professional kitchen environment.
Content Each qualification is offered as a comprehensive 1 year full time programme combining technical and practical skills in preparing and cooking food to a professional standard.

The qualifications also encourage individual candidates to develop a number of personal skills essential for those seeking a career in hospitality and catering - teamwork, self-organisation, meeting deadlines, taking responsibility and using one†s initiative.

Candidates will also have the opportunity to practice and develop new and existing skills by working in the Gallery Restaurant which is open to the public and through a number of high profile events that the catering section is involved in.

VRQ - Introduction to Diploma in Professional Cookery
Level 1 - there are 12 units to complete. The programme contains elements of food preparation and cooking skills developed through a structured programme of practical and theoretical elements. These relate to industry requirements including food safety, healthy eating and an introduction to the basic cookery techniques including: boiling, poaching, streaming, roasting and grilling.

VRQ - Diploma in Professional Cookery
Level 2 - there are 14 units to complete which explore kitchen operations, menu planning and costing. You will also cover advanced cookery techniques which will give you the skills to compete for some of the finest jobs in the catering industry.

The food preparation and cooking units are assessed through a series of individual and synoptic tests in both pastry and kitchen work. The theoretical knowledge is tested through a short-answer question paper. The non-craft units are assessed throughout the programme as a series of assignments requiring personal research.

Completion of all units will result in the award of the Diploma with a pass, credit or distinction grade.

NEW for 2010/11 VRQ - Professional Cookery Diploma
Level 3 - Details of this new and exciting qualification will be available soon. Contact a member of the Catering Academy to find out more.

As part of the VRQ1 and 2 you will also gain experience and knowledge required to progress within the food and beverage operations by completing the Level 1/2 Certificate in Food and Beverage Service.

Progression/career opportunities
You can continue to the Level 2 7100-02 Diploma in Professional Cookery or begin work in a professional kitchen. If on a VRQ 2 qualification, you could progress on to Level 3 NVQ Professional Cookery programme either full-time or part-time.

Screening
Students will also be screened (in the College) and must achieve literacy and numeracy at the level appropriate to the course.

Entry Requirement
Level 1 - 3 GCSEs grade D or above, with a keen and enthusiastic approach to the industry.
Level 2 - 4 GCSEs grade D or VRQ or NVQ level 1 qualification in Food Preparation and Cooking.
Level 3 - Must have at least level 2 VRQ Diploma in Professional Cookery or NVQ level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking.
Acceptance onto all courses is subject to an initial taster day and assessment during the first 6 weeks.