General Food and Beverage Skills - Level 2 (Certificate)

This Level 2 course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for working in the catering and hospitality industry. It provides a comprehensive foundation in food and beverage service, food safety, customer care and work-place professionalism. Overall, it prepares you for a successful career in a dynamic and fast-paced environment!

What will I cover on this course?

Investigating the Catering and Hospitality Industry: Explore the structure, roles and career pathways within the sector, gaining insight into current trends and operational standards.

Food Safety in Catering: Understand the principles of food hygiene, contamination prevention and safe food handling practices to ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Health and Safety in Catering and Hospitality: Learn how to identify risks, follow safety procedures and maintain a safe working environment for staff and customers.

Legislation in Food and Beverage Service: Gain knowledge of relevant laws and regulations governing food service, including licensing, allergens, and consumer rights.

Menu Knowledge and Design: Develop an understanding of menu types, components, and design principles that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Applying Workplace Skills: Build practical skills in teamwork, communication, time management and problem-solving within a hospitality setting.

Principles of Beverage Product Knowledge: Learn about different beverage categories, including soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and their appropriate service methods.

Service of Hot Beverages: Master the preparation and presentation of hot drinks such as tea, coffee and specialty beverages, with attention to quality and customer preferences.

Food and Beverage Service Skills: Practice professional service techniques including table service, tray service, and buffet presentation, with a focus on customer satisfaction.

Handing payments and maintaining the payment point.

Upon successful completion, you will be well-prepared to work in a range of food and beverage roles, with a strong foundation in both practical and theoretical aspects of the industry.

You will need:

• 4 or more GCSEs at Grade 3 or higher, including at least one out of English and Maths. If you are studying catering or food technology as a GCSE, this would be preferable, but it is not essential!

• You will be responsible for serving customers in our public restaurant - the Novus restaurant - therefore, a desire to provide excellent customer service is necessary.

How long is this course?

1 year

When does this course start?

02/09/2026

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at CWA are generally 3 - 4 days per week (though you may be in for an extra day if you are resitting English and / or Maths). The college day is typically longer than a day at school and students will need to plan their individual study in their free time (including individual study hours which are recorded at college in the Learning Resource Centre or other study areas). Work experience will be a key component of your course and most students will complete a minimum of 60 hours per academic year (on top of their college hours), depending on the course they are studying. CWA has a dedicated team of work placement co-ordinators to support you with this.

Age	Cost
16-18	Free*
19+	£900

* Some of our courses may have additional costs to cover trips, unform and equipment. These costs will be confirmed to you at enrolment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional costs related to the programme, such as additional equipment and uniform, educational trips and work placement costs. Full details will be sent to applicants before enrolment.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate in General Food and Beverage Service Skills.

How is my course assessed?

Progress on this course is measured through a combination of methods, including practical assessments, short answer tests, multiple-choice tests and assignments. Practical skills will be observed and evaluated, while written components will test your theoretical knowledge.

This qualification will be graded using a Pass / Merit / Distinction system.