Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 3 is the most recognised.
Typical pay: £20,000 to £34,000Level 3 most recognisedOpen entry
Pay range: National Careers Service.
Your route in
You can start without qualifications - direct entry/volunteering; a qualification improves your chances
1
Starting from scratch
Entry-level courses that feed this route.
2
Qualifications employers recognise (Level 3)
Any of these strengthens your application.
3
Where this can take you
With experience you could: move into larger organisations or event catering, study for further qualifications to move into other hospitality roles and start your own contract catering business.