How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.
Useful subjects include:
- business and hospitality management
- culinary arts or culinary management
- hotel and catering management
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could take professional catering qualifications at college then move into management. You could also do a qualification in hospitality management and find work as a trainee catering manager.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could do a Hospitality Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you've got experience in catering and have also worked as a supervisor.
You could also do a Hospitality Supervisor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship and then progress to become a hospitality and catering manager.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a kitchen assistant or trainee 'commis' chef and work your way up while learning on the job. You could apply for work with restaurants, bars or catering companies.
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Further information
You can find out more about catering careers from Caterer.com and CareerScope.