This Supported Internship forms part of the Moving Out programme and is designed for learners who are ready to begin preparing for employment in catering through a practical, work-focused course.
The main part of the programme is work experience, with learners spending the majority of their time developing practical catering skills in a real working environment. The course focuses on workplace learning, confidence building and preparing learners for future employment in the catering and hospitality sector.
Where learners have not already achieved it, they will complete a Level 2 Food Safety qualification alongside Functional Skills English and maths. These qualifications support the development of communication, numeracy and essential workplace skills.
The course provides learners with structured experience of working in catering, supported by college staff throughout. Previous learners have progressed into paid employment with organisations such as Ignition Brewery, Caterlink and Unity Kitchen, while others have accessed opportunities through Toucan Employment Agency.
Alongside employability skills, learners will also develop an understanding of healthy food preparation, supporting positive everyday lifestyle choices beyond the workplace.
- Entry Requirements, Units, Assessment and more...
Entry Requirements
To apply for this course, learners must be aged 16 to 18 and have an Education, Health and Care Plan. Learners should have some previous experience of catering, typically at Entry Level 3, such as an introductory hospitality or culinary skills course. This helps ensure learners are ready to work safely and confidently in a professional kitchen environment.
The Supported Learning department requires a consultation with the learners local authority before an application can be progressed. The SENCO at the learners current school can support this process and provide further guidance.
Assessment Method
Assessment on this course is ongoing and based on practical performance in the workplace.
Learners are assessed through observation of cooking and food preparation tasks, food hygiene and safety practices, and regular feedback from tutors, peers and customers.
Learners are also encouraged to reflect on their progress through self-evaluation and one-to-one discussions with staff, helping them recognise their strengths and areas for development.
Aims of the course
The aim of this course is to support learners in developing the practical skills, behaviours and confidence needed for employment in catering and hospitality.
Learners will build their cooking skills, workplace communication, timekeeping and ability to follow instructions, while developing an understanding of professional standards within the catering industry.
The programme also focuses on building confidence, independence and social skills, helping learners prepare for the expectations of employment and the transition into the workplace.
Functional Skills English and maths are embedded into the programme to support everyday communication, problem-solving and numeracy skills.
Progression Opportunities
On successful completion of the course, learners may progress into paid or voluntary employment within catering and hospitality, either full-time or part-time, depending on their individual goals and readiness for work.
The course is designed to support learners in taking their next steps into employment, with progression planning and guidance built into the programme.
Some learners may also continue developing their skills through further training or supported employment opportunities before moving into sustained employment..
Facilities
Learners complete most of their training in Brockley Bistro, the on-site training restaurant at Lewisham College, where they gain practical experience working in both kitchen and front-of-house roles.
The course also includes internal and external work experience opportunities, allowing learners to build confidence and experience in a variety of catering environments.
One day each week is classroom-based and focuses on tutorials, employability skills and Functional Skills English and maths.
Learners are supported throughout the course by a course tutor, a learning support worker and access to additional specialist support services, including quiet and sensory spaces where needed.
Career Options
This course supports progression into entry-level roles within the catering and hospitality industry.
Possible career pathways include roles such as kitchen assistant, catering assistant or similar hospitality positions, with further training and workplace experience helping learners progress over time.
Some learners may require additional support or further learning before moving into long-term employment.
