Free Level 1 Employability Skills course in Shipley. Classes run at Shipley College, full-time during the day. You'll need 2 GCSEs at grade 2 in English or maths to join the Level 1 programme. The course runs for one year and includes a work placement in catering, hospitality, or horticulture. You'll cover health and safety, customer service, and English and maths alongside your employability skills qualification. An initial assessment helps confirm the right level for you.
Who this course is for
This course helps you learn about the world of work and includes a placement in catering, hospitality and horticulture. You will develop valuable employability skills, learn about the importance of Health & Safety conduct at work and customer service. We will help you get a qualification in English, maths and Employability Skills. In addition, you can go on trips and take part in enrichment and fundraising activities.
Entry requirements
For the Entry Level 2 & 3 programmes, you do not need any qualifications., , For the Level 1 programmes, you need 2 GCSEs at grade 2 in either English or maths. You will be invited to an introductory tasters session before the course starts, to see if it is the right fit. We will do an assessment to find out which course level is right for you., , Before you start, you will meet other students and your tutors at College to help you settle in.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical skills for the world of work through a real workplace placement in catering, hospitality, or horticulture.
You'll learn health and safety responsibilities in a work environment.
You'll build customer service skills relevant to hospitality and catering roles.
You'll study English and maths as part of the programme.
You'll take part in trips, enrichment activities, and fundraising projects.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Shipley College, combined with a work placement in catering, hospitality, or horticulture. Assessment is ongoing throughout the course and covers your employability skills, health and safety knowledge, and customer service understanding. You'll also complete English and maths as part of your studies. Before the course starts, you'll attend an introductory taster session and meet your tutors and fellow students.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Shipley College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Kitchen assistant: support chefs and kitchen teams in catering settings.
Hospitality team member: front-of-house work in cafes, restaurants, or hotels.
Catering assistant: food preparation and service in schools, hospitals, or events.
Horticulture operative: grounds maintenance and gardening support roles.
Retail assistant: customer-facing work in shops and supermarkets.
Warehouse operative: entry-level stock and logistics work.
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering: deepen your skills for kitchen or front-of-house roles.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering: a short qualification many hospitality employers ask for.
Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 or Level 2: strengthen your English and maths if you want to progress further in training or employment.
Apprenticeship in Hospitality or Catering: earn while you learn in a paid role.
