What is the purpose of this qualification?
The purpose of this qualification is to introduce learners to the hospitality and catering sector by developing basic knowledge, understanding and practical awareness of hospitality environments. It is designed for learners who are new to the sector and wish to explore hospitality and catering through accessible and supportive learning.
Through a choice of mandatory and optional units, the qualification helps learners develop confidence, an understanding of customer service, food hygiene and safety, and simple hospitality and catering activities, supporting progression to further learning or training within the sector.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
The aim of this qualification is to introduce learners to the essential principles, behaviours, and skills required for entry-level roles in the hospitality sector. The qualification aims to build confidence, support employability, and provide a foundation for further study.
The objectives of the qualification are to provide learners with the opportunity to:
• understand the basic structure and purpose of the hospitality and catering industry
• recognise the importance of customer service in hospitality settings
• develop an awareness of food hygiene, safety and simple health and safety practices
• gain introductory practical experience in hospitality and catering activities through selected optional units
• develop basic workplace skills, such as teamwork, communication and following instructions
• build confidence and readiness for further learning or training in hospitality and catering
How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?
This qualification is part of a suite which includes an Award and Certificate. Learners should take the Award if they need only a small amount of focused learning in hospitality and catering before progressing to employment (with further training where possible) or to a Level 1 qualification, as illustrated in the target learner profiles provided above.
Which sector does this qualification support?
This qualification could lead to an entry-level role in hospitality and catering such as porter, housekeeping assistant, kitchen assistant.
What are the progression options?
Learners can progress to a Level 1 certificate or diploma in Hospitality and Catering, including Gateway Qualifications’ Level 1 Certificate and Diploma in Hospitality and Catering.
Progression & entry requirements
There are no specific prior skills/knowledge learners must have for this qualification.
Centres must ensure that learners have the correct information and advice when selecting qualifications to ensure that the qualification will meet their needs.
Centres must ensure that this qualification suits the age and abilities of their learners by ensuring that learners can meet the relevant literacy, numeracy, digital, and health and safety requirements of the qualification.
Learners enrolled on this qualification should not undertake another qualification at the same level with a similar title or content, as this could impact funding eligibility due to duplicated learning.
On completion of this qualification learners will be equipped with a basic, introductory set of knowledge and skills, relevant to hospitality and catering.
Successful completion of the Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Award in Hospitality and Catering (Entry 3) could allow learners to progress onto:
• Level 1 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering
• Level 1 Diploma in Hospitality and Catering
• entry-level roles in hospitality and catering (for example, a porter, housekeeping assistant, kitchen assistant)
A full in-depth careers information, advice and guidance session should be completed for learners before, during and after completion of learning, finding them the most appropriate progression pathways unique to them and based on their ability and aspirations.
