Course Overview
Developed in partnership with industry leaders from trade associations, equipment manufacturers, and employers, this apprenticeship programme trains technicians to install, commission, maintain, and repair a wide range of commercial catering equipment. This includes gas or electric-powered appliances such as combination ovens, fryers, grills, griddles, cooking ranges, dishwashers, and microwave ovens.
Entry Requirements
You will need to have achieved GCSEs at grade 9 – 4 (or comparable qualification) in English and maths. Please note, you will also be required to undertake an initial assessment prior to enrolment in order to assess your current level of English and maths. Your interviewer will discuss with you what minimum level you will need to achieve at initial assessment.
You must be employed with a suitable employer and have all relevant contractual documentation in place prior to college enrolment. Employers will also set their own interview in addition to the college criteria.
Whilst your technical skills and knowledge will develop over the course of your Apprenticeship you will also need to demonstrate to potential employers that you possess the relevant skills and personal qualities and are willing to work and learn.
To begin this course you must be eligible to work within England or the European Economic Area (EEC) and be employed for a minimum of 30 hours in a relevant job role and be able to attend college on a part-time basis. Your employer must commit to supporting you throughout your apprenticeship and provide on-the-job learning as well as your college based off-the-job learning.
If you do not have an employer to support your apprenticeship the college will support you to find an employer through our dedicated employer support team.
Please note that all apprenticeships are subject to availability of space.
What the course covers
Employer Responsibilities
Employers must be Gas Safe registered for commercial catering appliances. They will be required to provide on-the-job training for their apprentice alongside the college-based learning. This hands-on experience will enable apprentices to gather the necessary evidence to complete their Managed Learning Programme (MLP), a crucial step toward gas industry certification.
The Managed Learning Programme (MLP)
The MLP is an industry-recognised pathway to Gas Safe registration and certification. After completing the MLP course, approved by IGEM and certified by ERS, apprentices can take the Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) initial assessment. Upon successful completion of the ACS assessment and the final End Point Assessment (EPA), apprentices will receive their ACS certificate from ERS, allowing them to apply for Gas Safe registration.
Programme Structure
This 30-month apprenticeship programme involves one day of college attendance per week, combined with practical, on-the-job training whilst the apprentice is in the workplace.
Fees and funding
A 5% employer contribution fee may be applicable depending on the age of the apprentice and the size of your organisation.
Duration
30 months