Christmas Closure Information

Our campuses close on Friday 20th December and re-open on Thursday 2nd January 2025 for the Christmas Break.

Students will return to timetabled lessons on Monday 6th January 2025.

For information on term dates and enquiries please visit our information page using the button below.

Catering and Hospitality Courses

If you love to cook or plan events, and communicate well…

Our Catering and Hospitality tutors deliver courses with a wealth of catering and hospitality industry knowledge. Their professional expertise is valued by our students.

Officially opened by its patron, Gary Rhodes, in October 2002, our multi-million pound purpose-built Centre for Hospitality and Food Studies provides excellent facilities and training for hospitality students and aims to give them a realistic sense of what it is like to work in the hospitality industry.

Career options include:

  • Concierge
  • Food Scientist
  • Head Chef
  • Hospitality and Restaurant Manager
  • Special Events Manager
  • Street Food Trader

These outstanding, state-of-the art training facilities include a busy public restaurants, extensive kitchens, bars and reception areas. Further Education qualifications offered include hospitality, hospitality supervision and leadership, professional cookery and chefs.

Alternatively, why not consider undertaking an Apprenticeship, allowing students to earn while they learn as well as gain first-hand experience in a hospitality or catering environment. A part-time evening course is offered in Patisserie and Confectionery, available for adult learners.

I chose to study catering here because there was no other place near me that offered this course at this standard. It’s been really fun so far, and I’ve met some really nice people. I’m proud to have won the Passion to Inspire competition with my colleagues, and it’s helped my confidence grow.

Sophia – Professional Chef (Progressed from: Hadleigh High School)

Colchester Institute also offers a range of Professional Food Safety Training Awards for Businesses. Click here to find out more.

Hospitality (Restaurant, Reception and Customer Service) Level 2
Hospitality Management and Supervision Level 3
Professional Chef Level 1/2/3

What our students say - Professional ChefKatie Ryder
What our students say - Professional CookeryJack Griestock
What our students say - Professional CookeryArchie
What our students say - Hospitality Management and SupervisionIsla Appleton
What our students say - Professional CookeryCharlotte Pryor
What our students say - Professional ChefBrandon Paul Bowles
What our students say - Hospitality Management and SupervisionNoah Hill

Chef de Partie Apprenticeship
Commis Chef Apprenticeship
Event AssistantLevel 3 Apprenticeship
Hospitality Supervisor Apprenticeship
Hospitality Team Member Apprenticeship
Production Chef Apprenticeship
Senior Production Chef Level 3

Award for Personal Licence Holders BIIAB Level 2
City & Guilds 7120-22 General Patisserie and Confectionery Certificate
Professional Cake Decorating