New courses coming to ELATT this September

We're working on new courses in Hospitality & Customer Service, Early Years, and Health & Social Care — and we'd love to hear from you. Register your interest now and be the first to hear when places open.

These courses are subject to funding confirmation.

ELATT's office at Kingsland Road is closed this week. We're still accepting applications, and queries can be made by email. If you'd like to give us a call however, please call this number: 07400-187-254.

Hospitality and Catering Course – Level 1 Award

Already working in hospitality, or ready to start? Get a nationally recognised qualification in 12 to 16 weeks. Study online. Free, fully funded for eligible adults in London.

Overview

Your next step in hospitality and catering

Hospitality is one of London’s biggest employers, with jobs in hotels, restaurants, cafés, catering companies and customer-facing roles. Many of these jobs don’t ask for a qualification. But when lots of people apply for the same job, having one can help you stand out.

This Level 1 Award is for people who want to get into hospitality or get ahead in it. You will learn what employers look for: how hospitality businesses work, what great customer service looks like, and the food safety and health and safety rules used in catering. You will also get help with your CV, job search and interviews.

You study online in live sessions with your tutor and classmates, so there is no commute. By the end, you will hold a nationally recognised Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award. Then you can start applying for jobs or move on to further study.

Not sure if this is the right level? Speak to an adviser. We will check where you are now and help you find the right place to start.

If you don’t have prior experience, don’t worry!
We offer preparatory courses and support to help you build the foundational skills needed for Level 3.

Alongside your vocational course, you will also have the opportunity to earn additional free qualifications to strengthen your CV and employability. These are matched to your level and confirmed after a short skills assessment when you join. They may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Professional Development and Digital Skills. Not everyone will study all four. Your programme will be tailored to what you need. For more details, visit the Adult Study Programme page.

waitress-holding-food-on-display

Course Details

Level 1

Beginner

12 - 16 Weeks

Duration

3 - 6 Hours

Hours per week

9.30am - 4.30pm

Daytime hours

TBD

Evening hours

Online

Environment

What you will learn

Entry Requirements

Qualifications you will earn

Not sure which level is right for you?

Speak to an advisor to find your best starting point.

How You Will Learn

Your course is interactive, career-focused and fully supported from day one:

Live online sessions:

You will attend scheduled live sessions with your tutor and classmates, working together on real hospitality scenarios in a supportive group environment.

Real workplace scenarios:

Learning is built around the kind of situations you will encounter in hospitality and catering roles, including customer interactions, service standards and food safety practice.

Customer service role-play activities:

You will practise real customer service conversations and scenarios to build confidence for the workplace.

One-to-one tutor support:

Your tutor will give you personalised feedback on your work and support you at your own pace.

CV and job search support:

You will get practical help with writing your CV, searching for jobs and preparing for interviews.

Peer learning and group activities:

You will learn alongside other adult learners, sharing experiences and building the teamwork skills that employers value.

Flexible timetable:

Sessions are scheduled to fit around other commitments where possible.

This course is delivered entirely online, so you can study from home with no commute.

This course is for adults who want a hospitality or catering job, or a better one. You might be:

Working in hospitality, catering or customer service, and want a qualification to go with your experience

Looking for work in a café, restaurant, hotel or kitchen, and want to stand out when you apply

Changing careers

Returning to work after a break, or a parent or carer getting back into work

New to the sector and curious about what the jobs involve

Not sure which hospitality job suits you

Show employers what you know

A Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award, regulated by Ofqual. Add it to your CV next to your experience.

Get started sooner

12 to 16 weeks, 3 to 6 hours a week, online. We try to fit sessions around other commitments.

Help to find your next job

Our Careers and Employability Service helps with your CV, job search and interview practice, and with volunteering and work experience options. Included at no extra cost.

Support every step

Small classes, experienced tutors, wellbeing support, and extra English or Maths if your skills check shows you'd benefit. Free, fully funded for eligible adults in London.

Progression and Career Opportunities

You don't always need a qualification to start in hospitality. A recognised qualification, plus CV and interview support, can help you stand out. After completing this course, you could:

Progress to further study:

Apply for roles such as:

Career Potential

Hospitality and catering roles offer a range of entry points and progression opportunities across London. As a café assistant or front of house assistant, you can expect to earn around £22,000 to £24,000 per year in London, with opportunities to progress into supervisory and specialist roles with experience.

waitress-taking-order

Take the first step towards your hospitality career.

Apply now for a free Level 1 Hospitality and Catering course at ELATT, or speak to an adviser to find out if this is the right starting point for you.

Hear From Our Students

Meet Salma

Occupation: Office Administrator

This course has helped me a lot. Before I used to be worried about applying for work as I thought I would get rejected. Now I have much more confidence. I made new friends and I am able to communicate with others with greater confidence. I am now working in a job that I enjoy very much.

Salma

Student Projects, Showcases and Interviews

I already work in hospitality. Is this right for me?

It can be. If you have experience but no qualification, this Award lets you show what you know, and our Careers and Employability Service can help with your next application. If you have a lot of experience, speak to an adviser first so we can check it's the right level.

Do I need a qualification to work in hospitality?

Not always. Many hospitality jobs don't ask for one. A recognised qualification can help you stand out when you apply and can lead to further study.

Will this course get me a job?

We can't promise a job. We can help you build the knowledge and confidence employers look for, with support for your CV, job search and interview practice, so you feel ready to apply.

Is this a hands-on cookery course?

No. It is delivered online and assessed through coursework. You will learn food safety, customer service and how the industry works.

Can I join if I'm not confident in English?

In many cases, yes. We will check your English when you join, and you may be able to study extra Functional Skills English alongside your course. If your English is at an early stage, we may suggest our ESOL courses first. Speak to an adviser and we can help you find the right pathway.

Can I study around work or family?

Sessions are live and online in the daytime, for 3 to 6 hours a week. Tell us what you need when you apply and we will try to fit around it.

Is there any support beyond the Level 1 Hospitality and Catering course itself?

Yes. Your course is part of ELATT's Adult Study Programme, which goes beyond teaching to offer extra support throughout your learning journey. Alongside your course, you will study extra subjects matched to your level following your initial assessment. These may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Professional Development, or Digital Skills, and you will earn a recognised qualification in each. You will also have access to our Careers and Employability Service (CV support, interview preparation and one-to-one career guidance) and our Wellbeing Service (wellbeing workshops and support groups). Both are included at no extra cost.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply now and start building your future with ELATT's free Level 1 Award in Hospitality and Catering.

New courses starting February 2027: Early Years and Child Development; Youth Work; Health and Social Care.