Guided campus tour
Get a glimpse into the facilities you will be using as a hospitality and catering student at West Notts College.
What our students say
Level 2 student Lauren gives insight into the course, explaining her favourite aspects as well as giving some tips for individuals who may be interested in enrolling on the course.
Meet the teachers
Get to know to know a bit more about your teachers before you join us.
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Kit list
Find out what equipment and resources you'll need before you join as a West Notts student.
Download kit list
Gallery
Students’ winning drinks to appear on restaurant’s menu - Bar staff from one of the county’s most historic and prestigious hotels have been on hand to judge a cocktail-making challenge.
During industry week, hospitality students were cooking-under-pressure with Army chefs using ration packs, and undertaking a ready meal taste test with Matt Gabbitas from Pilgrim Food Masters.
Exquisite meals cooked and served by our students in the Refined restaurant.
Students mastered the art of sushi making, thanks to the talents of student Monika Wawrzyniak. Students created different types of sushi including Maki, Sashimi, Nigiri and Uramaki, learning how to roll, present and garnish them professionally.
Students mastered the art of sushi making, thanks to the talents of student Monika Wawrzyniak. Students created different types of sushi including Maki, Sashimi, Nigiri and Uramaki, learning how to roll, present and garnish them professionally.
Tasty treats were created as a result of our industry week.
The college were delighted to host Rania and Rokaya from the Maun Refuge for a taste of Syrian cuisine. Supported by our professional cookery students, this fundraising meal exposed student chefs to a great range of new ingredients.
What I enjoy the most is that there’s lots of practical work on this course. I love customer service, speaking to people and getting to know them. It really is amazing.
Combat cooking is a Refined affair - Professional cookery students got a taste of combat cooking when members of the 167 Catering Support Regiment dropped by to demonstrate their skills.
Combat cooking is a Refined affair - Professional cookery students got a taste of combat cooking when members of the 167 Catering Support Regiment dropped by to demonstrate their skills.
I didn’t start this course straight away, but when I did join, everyone was very welcoming and the staff are really nice. I have enjoyed serving in our Refined restaurant – it is so much fun and a nice environment. Steven Mitchell - Level 2 student.
More than 40 catering and hospitality students immersed themselves in real-life work experience at one of the county’s most historic and prestigious hotels. Students swapped the college’s classrooms and kitchens for Thoresby Hall Hotel and Spa, near Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, during a one-week ‘hotel takeover’.
I really enjoy the restaurant experience. You are never on your own even if it feels like it, you can make friends easily. Kelly Nyland - Level 3 student.
FAQs - hospitality and catering courses
The following information will hopefully give you a little bit more of an insight into what it will be like to be a student with us.
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Where will I study?
All of our hospitality and catering courses are based at our Derby Road campus, Mansfield, which has an on-site fine dining restaurant that is open to the public. The college operates 13 different bus routes to and from this campus, both in the morning and the evening.
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What is it like?
The college is a professional, adult environment intended to prepare you to work in your chosen industry. As such, we expect students’ behaviour to reflect the world of work. Attendance and punctuality are crucial in the hospitality and catering industry so that the team can be as effective as possible. Our kitchens contain equipment and tools that can be dangerous if not used properly so very high standards of behaviour are also expected.
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What will I study?
You will study through a mixture of practical sessions and classroom learning. In kitchens and restaurants you will spend a lot of time standing. Level 1 learning is very project-based, while level 2 study has a much greater emphasis on practical skills. Level 3 learning tends to be more academic-based.
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What about English and maths?
If you start at college and you haven’t yet achieved your English and maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, then you will continue to study these for three hours each week per subject. At the end of your first year you will take a re-sit GCSE exam. It is important you attend your English and maths lessons alongside your chosen course.
Take a look at our fact sheets to find out why English and maths is important within this industry.
View English and maths fact sheets
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What will I have to wear?
Students will be asked to wear a uniform in the restaurant, and kitchen whites and safety shoes in the kitchen. These will need to be purchased. If you are working front-of-house you will be in a customer-facing role so high levels of personal presentation will be required. Personal hygiene is our top priority – the wearing of jewellery and make-up is to be kept to a minimum, and nail polish or false nails will not be allowed. In the classroom you are able to wear whatever you like as long as it’s appropriate and isn’t offensive.
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Will I have to do a work placement?
At levels 2 and 3 students would be expected to complete a work placement. This is a great way of getting your foot in the door with an employer. Many of our students already have part-time jobs in the sector that can count towards work placement hours.
All of our students will be able to also get engaged with our learning companies, which provide in-house opportunities to gain real-world experience. This year students are providing a take-away service for college staff!
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Send your questions to your teachers using our simple online form.
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