Chef diploma for teenagers

The Professional Cookery Diploma has been developed by People 1st, the sector skills council, for hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism following extensive research with employers. Research found that college leavers were entering the workplace only to require retraining by their employers

The new chef diploma is a much more practical qualification driven by employers and created by People 1st working with City and Guilds and other awarding bodies. The regional colleges have been closely involved in developing the course ensuring consistent standards. The qualification has been available in England for the last three years and feedback to date from students, colleges and industry has been very positive.

Highlighting the value of this qualification reform to the hospitality industry Roisin McKee of People 1st said:

“The new chef diploma will help ensure the industry is fully skilled to benefit from the predicted growth in tourism. A lack of technically skilled chefs is a barrier to filling vacancies and to effective business performance. Currently there are 9,300 chefs employed in the industry and a further 1,000 chefs are predicted to be required by 2017.”

Welcoming the new diploma, which is available at Level 1 and 2 in Northern Ireland, Trevor Hambley, Head Chef, Beech Hill Country House Hotel Londonderry said:

“This qualification will significantly improve the overall skills and employability of young learners giving them an excellent grounding in basic cookery techniques.”

Colleges are screening applicants to ensure they have the right personal skills, motivation, commitment and all round ability to successfully complete the qualification.

The Professional Chef Diploma is the principal full-time qualification replacing the NVQ. It is a full time college taught course and is also available for those who want to develop their skills and knowledge whilst in employment.

For more detailed course information contact North West Regional College www.nwc.ac.uk