21 Hospitality Culinary Traineeship


  • Start Date: 01/09/2025
  • Course is for: School Leaver
  • Course Length: 1 Year
  • Funding Support Funding Support:
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Our intensive program provides hands-on training and theoretical knowledge essential for a successful career in the culinary arts.

Through a combination of practical kitchen experience, theoretical classes, and mentorship form industry experts, you will develop the skills and expertise necessary to excel in various culinary environments.

About the Culinary Traineeship:
The traineeship is a premier culinary programme offering comprehensive curriculum designed to inspire chefs into the exciting world of food and hospitality.

During your time on the course you will be inspired by leading culinary experts within both the college and work environments.

Aspiring chefs will have the chance to work alongside top culinary professionals and contribute to the culinary excellence that defines the 21 Hospitality restaurants.

Program structure:

  • Curriculum: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, menu development, food safety and nutrition.
  • Practical Training: Hands-on experience in professional kitchens, including rotations through various restaurants and sections within the kitchen to gain exposure to different aspects of kitchen operations.
  • Theoretical Classes: Lectures, demonstrations, and workshops covering essential culinary theory and industry insights.
  • Mentorship: Guidance and support from experienced chefs and industry professionals, including regular feedback sessions and career counselling.

Assessment

You’ll work on skills technique developments and employer-inspired projects. 

Most assessments will be carried out in our training restaurant and kitchens, Enfields Kitchen.

You’ll be marked against the standards of the awarding body and given continuous feedback to help you improve and grow as a chef.

There will be a cost for a uniform and professional kit such as a set of knives.

We’ll let you know the price during the enrolment process and support you to purchase the items through our preferred suppliers, ensuring you get the best rates.

There is also funding support for those that meet the eligibility criteria to help cover some of these costs, ask us more about this at our enrolment events.

All practical sessions are taught in our modern, well-equipped training kitchens which contain industry standard kit and equipment.

You will also get the opportunity to work in one of the 21 group restaurants: 

  • 21
  • The Broad Chare
  • Saint Vincent
  • Saltwater Fish Company
  • Porterhouse Butcher and Grill
  • Café 21 Fenwick Newcastle

Year 2:

Transition to a 32-hour contract with 21 Hospitality
Attend college 1 day per week to continue studies at Level 3 Professional Cookery
Gain practical experience in a professional kitchen environment alongside academic learning.

Year 3:

Progress to a 40-hour contract with 21 Hospitality
Engage in enrichment and additionality courses at college to further enhance skills
Continue hands-on experience in the culinary industry while pursuing additional qualifications

Minimum age of 16 years

4 GCSE Grade 4-9, including maths and English

Passion for culinary arts and a desire to pursue a career as a professional chef

Interview

Check out how we are embedding sustainability throughout our catering courses:

  • We don’t print our learning portfolios, they’re all online
  • We use biodegradable packaging
  • Students grow their own micro herb gardens to use in their cooking
  • All food waste is collected and turned into biogas
  • We use locally sourced produce
  • We check our learning schemes weekly to ensure sustainability is embedded

Your teaching team are all highly skilled and experienced staff.

They adapt their teaching styles to suit different abilities and ensure they keep their skills up to date to adapt to modern techniques and changes in the industry.

During your time on the traineeship, you will be working within a well-established kitchen team who provide a very consistent product to a high standard each day. All dishes are skilfully prepared using the freshest seasonal ingredients available.

21 Hospitality have been operating acclaimed restaurants in and around Newcastle for the past 35 years.

They have gained an excellent reputation for producing great food to a loyal customer base.

School Leaver Course Guide 2025/2026

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

Gateshead College School Leavers guide for 2025 - 2026