Before looking at this particular apprenticeship there are a couple of things you need to know about an apprenticeship upfront. Firstly, they are a work based programme and an apprentice has to be employed. An apprenticeship isn’t a qualification in its own right, but rather a collection of different qualifications that allows an apprentice to develop well rounded knowledge and skills.
Apprenticeships are normally delivered by a commercial training provider or a college. Their delivery can be very flexible; including day release, on the job, online training assessment etc. The type of delivery will depend on the circumstances of the employer and apprentice and is usually agreed by the employer and learning provider upfront. The delivery will influence how long it takes to complete an apprenticeship.
Public funding is usually available depending on the age of the learner and involves a contribution from the employer. However, research shows that the cost of an hospitality apprenticeship is redeemed after just over a year – much less than other apprenticeships and various studies have shown them to be more productive and liable to stay with the employer compared to comparable workers not on the apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship is made up of a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ), workplace core skills, relevant industry certificates and Employer Rights and Responsibilities. These are standard in all apprenticeships, but what makes this relevant to Professional Cookery is the choice of SVQ and the specified route. In order to ensure flexibility, access and opportunity whatever the establishment, the SVQ level 2 in Professional Cookery has three possible routes;
- Professional cookery; flexble route ahich allows a candidate to choose the balance of units appropriate to their job
- Professional Cookery; preperation and cooking which offers candidates a balanced and well-rounded programme;
- Food Production and Cooking
This SVQ2 Modern Apprenticeship in Hospitality (Professional Cookery) includes the following:
- SVQ2 in Professional Cookery at SCQF Level 5
- 5 workplace core skills at SCQF 3 (Communication, working with others, problem solving, information technology and numeracy)
- The following industry certificates at a minimum of SCQF level 4 in Health and Safety at Work, Food Hygiene and Customer Care.