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Hospitality and Catering Course – Level 1 Award (Beginner)

Take your first steps into the hospitality and catering industry with ELATT's free Level 1 course in London.

Overview

Start Your Journey into Hospitality and Catering

The hospitality and catering industry is one of London’s largest employers, with opportunities in hotels, restaurants, cafés, catering companies and customer-facing service roles. If you are new to the sector and want to explore what it has to offer, this free Level 1 course gives you a solid introduction to the industry and the skills employers look for.

You will learn how hospitality businesses operate, what great customer service looks like in practice, and the food safety and health standards that apply in catering environments. You will also develop the communication and teamwork skills that matter in any customer-facing role, and get practical support to start planning your career and applying for jobs with confidence.

The course is delivered entirely online through live sessions and is free for eligible adult learners in London. By the end of your course, you will hold a nationally recognised Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award and be ready to take the next step, whether that is further study, a Level 2 qualification, or your first role in the hospitality and catering sector.

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.

female-server-smiling-while-holding-drink

Course Details

Level 1

Beginner

Current Page
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

  • This course introduces you to the hospitality and catering industry and gives you the knowledge and practical skills to take your first steps towards a career in the sector.
  • Topics you will cover:
  • How the hospitality industry works, including the different types of settings, roles and career pathways available.
  • Customer service standards in hospitality, including how to communicate professionally and meet guest expectations.
  • Health and safety in catering environments, including food hygiene, safety procedures and the responsibilities of hospitality workers.
  • Food safety awareness, including how to handle food safely and understand hygiene standards in catering settings.
  • How to plan and apply for jobs in the sector, including CV writing and job searching.
  • Career planning and identifying the next steps that are right for you.

Entry Requirements

  • You will need:
  • Basic literacy, numeracy and IT skills.
  • A positive attitude and willingness to take part in activities and develop practical skills.
  • Access to a device and internet for online learning.
  • No formal qualifications are needed to join this course. Previous experience in hospitality, catering or customer service is helpful but not essential.

Qualifications you will earn

  • Awarding Body
  • Gateway
  • Qualifications
  • Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award in Hospitality and Catering

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 designed for adults who are new to the hospitality and catering sector and want to explore a career in this industry. You may be a good fit if you are:

New to hospitality, catering or customer service with no previous experience

Returning to education or work after a break

Changing careers and want an introduction to a new sector

An ESOL learner who is ready to move into vocational training

A parent or carer looking to re-enter the workforce

Someone who enjoys working with people and wants a customer-facing role in a café, restaurant, hotel or catering setting

A Nationally Recognised Introduction to Hospitality

Gain a Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award that employers recognise, covering customer service, food safety and how the industry works.

Free, Online and Flexible

This course is free for eligible adult learners in London and you study from home through live online sessions.

Build Skills for Customer-Facing Roles

Develop the communication, teamwork and food safety knowledge you need to apply for entry-level roles in cafés, restaurants, hotels and catering.

Personal Support Every Step of the Way

Small class sizes, experienced tutors, and access to our Careers and Employability Service and Wellbeing Service throughout your course, all included at no extra cost.

Progression and Career Opportunities

After completing this course, you could:

Progress to further study:

  • Level 2 Hospitality and Customer Service Course at ELATT (link to Level 2 page)
  • Level 2 qualifications in Customer Service or Business Administration
  • Level 2 Hospitality and Catering qualifications
  • Other sector-specific vocational pathways

Move into entry-level roles such as:

  • Café Assistant
  • Front of House Assistant
  • Kitchen Assistant
  • Receptionist

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.

  • This qualification is awarded by Gateway Qualifications, a recognised awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual.
waiter-clearing-tables-while-smiling

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

Return to Adult Courses

Hospitality and Customer Service - Level 2

Health and Social Care - Level 1 & 2

What is the Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award in Hospitality and Catering?

The Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award in Hospitality and Catering is a nationally recognised introductory qualification for adults who want to start a career in the hospitality and catering sector. It covers customer service, food safety, health and safety in catering, and career planning skills. It is designed for people with no previous experience in the industry.

Is the Level 1 Hospitality and Catering course at ELATT free?

Yes. The course is free for eligible adult learners in London. ELATT is a charity, and our courses are funded to remove financial barriers to learning. An adviser will confirm your eligibility when you get in touch.

Do I need any qualifications or experience to join the Level 1 Hospitality and Catering course?

No. You do not need any previous qualifications or experience in hospitality or catering to enrol. Basic literacy, numeracy and IT skills are helpful. You will have an initial conversation with us before you start so we can make sure the course is the right fit for you.

Do I need to sit any exams for the Level 1 Hospitality and Catering course?

No. This course is assessed through coursework and activities only. There are no written exams.

How long is the Level 1 Hospitality and Catering course at ELATT?

The course runs for 12 to 16 weeks, with 3 to 6 hours of study per week during daytime hours. All sessions are online.

What jobs can I get after the Level 1 Hospitality and Catering course?

After completing this course, you may be ready to apply for entry-level roles such as café assistant, front of house assistant, kitchen assistant or hotel receptionist. The course gives you a foundation to move into employment or progress to a Level 2 qualification.

Can I progress to a higher level after this course?

Yes. The natural next step is the Level 2 Hospitality and Customer Service Course at ELATT, which builds on this foundation and prepares you for customer-facing roles in hotels, restaurants and hospitality settings. You could also progress to other related Level 2 courses.

Can I do this course if English is not my first language?

Yes. This course is suitable for ESOL learners who are ready to move into vocational training. Basic English skills are needed to take part in sessions and complete coursework. If you are still developing your English, our free ESOL courses may be a better starting point. Speak to an adviser and we can help you find the right pathway.

Is there a work placement on the Level 1 Hospitality and Catering course?

No. A work placement is not required at Level 1. The course is fully online and assessment is through coursework. If you would like to gain some practical experience alongside your studies, our Careers and Employability Service can help you explore volunteering and work experience options.

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 wrap-around support throughout your learning journey. Alongside your course, you will study wraparound 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 coming to ELATT this September! We're working on new courses in Hospitality & Customer Service, Early Years, Health & Social Care, and Youth Work — and we'd love to hear from you. Register your interest now and be the first to hear when places open.

Register your interest