Ayrshire College homepage
Back to all courses

Food and Beverage Service

This course isn’t currently open for applications, but you can still register your interest.

  • Qualifications National Qualifications
  • SCQF Level SCQF Level 5
  • Study mode January to June
  • Campus Ayr
  • Start date January 2027
  • Duration 36 weeks
More information

Attendance / Duration

18 weeks

Overview

Develop the skills needed for a professional front of house role. This practical course takes place in our training restaurant, Westerly, which is open to the public. You will learn all aspects of front of house service: table setting, carrying plates, drink preparation and delivering excellent customer service. You’ll also gain experience using maître d’ systems, the barista machine and supporting live functions and events.

Entry requirements

For this course you’ll need:

  • Introduction to Professional Cookery and Hospitality at SCQF Level 4 or relevant NC course at SCQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • OR
  • A minimum of Four National 4 qualifications.
  • Core skills in communication and numeracy at Level 4 or above.
  • A real interest in working in the hospitality industry.

If you don’t have formal qualifications, but have appropriate experience or training, we will happily consider your application.

Current college Food and Beverage learners (on the August Start course) will require to successfully complete their current course and show positive engagement allowing progression to this course.

Course content

This course includes:

Customer skills: Serve customers in a live restaurant setting, enhancing your practical skills.

Product knowledge: Develop expertise in food and beverage products, allowing you to advise customers effectively.

Food safety: Learn about food safety and hygiene, essential for roles in hospitality.

Functions: Participate in real functions and events.

You will receive the 2 hour mandatory bar training, required by anyone in Scotland who serves alcohol.

You will also receive Elementary Food Hygiene training. 

You'll develop skills in:

  • Plate carrying and table clearing
  • Talking to customers (communication skills)
  • Preparing and serving wine and a variety of drinks
  • Coffee making
  • Event and function support

You will also develop metaskills including:

  • Communicating
  • Collaborating
  • Leading
  • Adapting
  • Initiative

Careers and further study

Industry partners will provide guest lecturers to give an insight into their experiences.

Visits to industry locations will also be undertaken to further introduce learners to various businesses and opportunities.

Successful learners will be well placed to begin their journey in the hospitality industry with a solid grounding in customer service and Front of House skills.