Chef SCQF 5 (Work-based) Modern Apprenticeship
Study mode: You take fewer course units/modules per week compared to full time.
Course type: Modern Apprenticeship
Study at: Dornoch; Fort William; Stornoway; Thurso
Start in: August
Learning mode: You access classes and/or materials digitally., You are learning and being assessed in your place of employment.
Duration: Part time: 1 year
How: You complete course tasks independently. These may be set by your lecturer or chosen by you., You are supported, monitored and assessed in a workplace.
What is special about this course?
This apprenticeship incorporates the Diploma in Professional Cookery at SCQF Level 5 and supports the development of individuals working in the hospitality industry, particularly within professional kitchens and food service environments. It is suited to roles such as Demi Chef de Partie, Junior Chef and Pastry Chef.
Throughout the programme, apprentices are supported by both their employer and the college, combining hands-on experience in the workplace with structured learning and guidance. This collaborative approach ensures learners can apply their skills in real-world settings while building their knowledge and confidence.
The apprenticeship is designed to help learners develop the practical skills, industry knowledge and professional behaviours required to perform confidently and competently in a professional kitchen. Apprentices will build their abilities across a range of culinary and operational areas, preparing them for success in fast-paced hospitality environments.
Potential MA Hospitality/Professional Cookery (SCQF L5) candidates should hold a qualification in:
- Communication/English at SCQF Level 3
- Numeracy at SCQF Level 3
- ICT at SCQF Level 2
Or equivalent qualifications
and
be able to demonstrate an interest and desire to work in, or experience of working in, the field of hospitality/professional cookery.
Candidates without evidence of achievement of formal academic qualifications as above will be asked to undertake a short ‘profile’ document to demonstrate ability of core skills at these levels.
Please note that applying for this course does not guarantee a Modern Apprenticeship place, your application will be discussed with you in the first instance.
This Modern Apprenticeship framework is developed by the sector skills council, People 1st, in consultation with employers and key partners in the industry. The course can be tailored towards the specific needs of the employer but will typically contain core skills and industry specific units. These include:
SVQ
Four mandatory units;
- Maintain Health and Safety in Hospitality
- Work Effectively as Part of a Hospitality Team
- Maintain and Handle Knives
- Maintain Food Safety in a Kitchen Environment
Core Skills
- You will develop Core Skills in:
- Communication
- Working with Others
- Problem Solving
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Numeracy
You will learn through practical experience in your workplace, building a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your skills.
A college assessor will support your progress and carry out observations in the workplace to assess you.
Enhancements
This modern apprenticeship requires two enhancements which should be achieved during or prior to the induction period of the apprenticeship to ensure the apprentice is fully informed of the regulations.
- Basic Health & Safety at Work Certificate (all routes) This should be achieved within the first 12 weeks of the Apprenticeship or no longer than 2 years prior to the start of the apprenticeship.
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate This should be achieved within the first 12 weeks of the Apprenticeship or no longer than 3 years prior to the start of the apprenticeship.
How will I study my course?
- Part Time
- Work based
You will gain hands-on experience by learning in the workplace and applying your skills in real-world settings. Your progress will be supported through our online learning platform, where you'll submit evidence of your achievements as part of your portfolio. Additionally, your local assessor will visit to conduct reviews and workplace observations, ensuring you stay on track.
How long will my course last?
1 Year- Dornoch
- Fort William
- Stornoway
- Thurso
Fees
Funding support is available through Skills Development Scotland to help cover the costs of training and assessing apprentices aged 16-19 across all Modern Apprenticeship frameworks. There may also be funding options for those aged 20-24 and 25+, depending on the specific framework and sector. Enhanced contributions are available for apprentices who are disabled or care-experienced, up to the age of 29.
As the training provider, UHI North, West and Hebrides receives this funding directly from SDS and manages the funding process.
Funding
Funding is available from Skills Development Scotland to contribute towards the costs of the apprentices training under the Modern Apprenticeship Programme for all young people between the ages of 16-19 for all frameworks. Funding may also be available for young people between the ages of 20 -24 and 25+ however this is dependent on the framework and sector.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Participants may enter into the wide range of full and part time provision offered by the college or continue with employment goals.
Apply for Chef SCQF 5 (Work-based) Modern Apprenticeship
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.