Hospitality & Catering

When Caitlin first visited the college on an open evening, she was unsure of what she was looking for. It was not until she experienced the fast-paced, highly practical environment in Buckley’s training kitchens that she realised hospitality & catering was the course for her. She said:

“I gained so much more than a qualification while at college. My industry placements gave me invaluable experiences and I had the opportunity to compete nationally, where I won some prestigious awards. Since leaving the college, I have been back to Buckley's share my expertise with the new students!”

As part of her course, Mollie-Ann got the opportunity to travel to the UNOX headquarters in Italy to take part in a catering competition against 40 other colleges. Mollie-Ann had to prepare 2 dishes as part of the competition, judged by a panel of qualified chefs.

Speaking about her course, she said "I am so glad I chose to study Hospitality & Catering at Warrington & Vale Royal College. I have had so many opportunities and learnt so many new skills which I know will help me in the future!"

“This course has really helped me with my future career goals. It has provided the basic information to excel and improve my business.”

Travelling from Southport to attend our college, Kate found the course through an online search for options that best suited her wants and needs. The course has been a great help to Kate in propelling her career, providing her with the basic knowledge and skills needed to master a range of pastry techniques.

She says: “Chef has been so knowledgeable, patient and thorough throughout. I have felt very supported. He has made the course so enjoyable.”

"I love having the opportunity to participate in various competitions and meet expert chefs who were once in my position. Visiting luxury restaurants and hotels has been an incredible experience that has greatly enriched my education".

Zach Doherty, a former Birchwood Community High School pupil, began his culinary journey at the college in 2021 with the Level 1 Culinary Skills course and has since advanced to Levels 2 and 3. Drawn by the state-of-the-art training kitchen and onsite restaurant, Zach chose to study hospitality and catering. He also enjoys learning from his dedicated tutors, Paul and Cavan, and appreciates the chance to cook for real-life clients. These experiences have truly ignited his passion for the culinary arts, setting a strong foundation for his future career in hospitality and catering.

Zach has now landed a role as Chef De Partie at Nextdoor. He has already had numerous opportunities to work with fresh food, practice butchery, and gain practical experience, feeling well-prepared thanks to his college education.

“Since becoming a student, I’ve realised there is more to the college than I originally thought. The facilities are good, the tutor is very helpful, and there is plenty of support and guidance.”

Jillian, a civil engineer by trade, chose to study at Warrington & Vale Royal College after discovering the course on our website. Having studied here previously, she was confident that it would be an enjoyable experience that would improve her baking skills. Currently working as a project manager, Jillian hopes to one day run her own bakery business – a venture she feels this course is preparing her well for.

Previous student James Tomkins studied Level 3 Advanced Professional Cookery at the college, during which he secured a work placement at The French, a prestigious restaurant boasting four AA Rosettes.

James impressed the head chef so much that he was offered a permanent position, and he has recently been promoted to chef de partie. James has even worked behind the scenes of BBC2's popular TV show The Great British Menu.

There is no other career I would have considered. I’ve wanted to cook since I was very young.”

Past student Liam Rogers studied Level 3 Advanced Professional Cookery before progressing on to work in Michelin-starred restaurants including Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham and Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland.

Liam also made it through to the finals of the popular BBC cooking show MasterChef: The Professionals, impressing judges with his technique and presentation.