Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) has achieved a winning formula, in an exciting partnership with VTCT, to provide students with the knowledge and the work experience that Employers are seeking today and in the near future.
Apprenticeship courses at BCoT are trained, encouraged and mentored by qualified Industry Standard Chefs and Hospitality Managers so learners get the best opportunity to succeed. The programme includes weekly training in well equipped kitchens and the top class ‘Restaurant’ and apprentices learn the importance of providing first rate service to the general public as well as hosting VIP functions.
BCoT has carefully nurtured links with local businesses over the years to create opportunities for first destination jobs as well as ‘in course’ work experience.
The latter is often the critical factor that will lead an employer to offer students employment when they achieve their apprenticeships/qualification(s). They have a great network of employers that they can call on to help with employer involvement for the Technical Level Qualifications and Technical Certificates.
Vicki Quilter, Course Director for Hospitality and Catering at BCoT said: “The VTCT Hospitality and Catering qualifications offer us the flexibility to design programmes that work for our learners. A fantastic prime example is our Apprentice Level 2 and 3 cohort. Each of these learners has an individualised learning plan which has been adapted to ensure they reach their potential, from joining additional classes to compliment the units they are studying to having master classes with local suppliers which is in addition to their college set time and their employment. The apprentices can opt in and out of classes with our full time learners to ensure they achieve their education and career goal at BCoT.”
She continues: “We are extremely pleased with the support and guidance that VTCT has provided before and after we became a VTCT centre. We have a positive working relationship with our VTCT EQA and our Business Development Manager that means that information, advice and guidance is always available.”
The immediate future with the VTCT/BCoT partnership has never looked so promising for students and employers alike.
