Introduction
The Foundation Apprenticeship in Hospitality offers school-aged learners an immersive introduction to the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to succeed in the dynamic hospitality sector. Designed to be undertaken alongside core school subjects, this one-year programme combines classroom-based learning with real-world experience through projects and employer engagement.
Learners will develop practical competencies in both front-of-house and back-of-house operations, including customer service, professional kitchen skills, event support and understanding the broader hospitality environment. Alongside vocational skills, the apprenticeship emphasises meta-skills such as self-management, teamwork and innovation — qualities that are highly valued by employers in hospitality and beyond.
Foundation Apprenticeship Delivery Hub – Moffat Academy
Moffat Academy will serve as the designated delivery hub for the Foundation Apprenticeship programme. All scheduled teaching, learning, and assessment activities associated with the programme will take place at Moffat Academy. Students enrolled in the Foundation Apprenticeship are required to make their own arrangements for travel to and from Moffat Academy for all timetabled sessions. Travel costs and transport logistics are the responsibility of the student and their family.
Course code
SFHO
Location
Dumfries Campus
Duration
Attendance:
Tuesday Morning
3 hours a week for 30 weeks.
Independent study may also be required
Entry Requirements
An interest in cookery
An ability to study at SCQF level 4.
Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum ESOL Intermediate level 2 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher for HNC/D courses.
Information and Interview Session Requirements
There are no requirements for an interview for this course, but you should have a basic knowledge and an interest in the industry with a view to potentially looking to have a career within it if you would like to join this course.
Course Content
The Foundation Apprenticeship in Hospitality is designed to give learners a broad introduction to the hospitality industry through a combination of practical skills development, theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
Assessments
Assessment is practical and ongoing, focusing on:
- Skills demonstrations and practical tasks
- Project and portfolio evidence
- Observation and reflective activities
- Completion of the Work-Based Challenge
There are no formal exams, allowing learners to demonstrate their learning through applied, real-world activities.
Progression
Successful completion of the Foundation Apprenticeship in Hospitality provides learners with a nationally recognised qualification and a strong platform for progression into further learning, training, or employment within the hospitality and wider service industries.
Career Prospects
The Foundation Apprenticeship in Hospitality prepares learners for a wide range of career opportunities within the hospitality and service sectors. The qualification develops practical skills, industry knowledge and employability behaviours that are valued by employers across Scotland and beyond.
Additional funding information
N/A
Course Contact Details
Course Contact Details
Michelle Hodgson hodgsonm@dumgal.ac.uk
Selling Points
Foundation Apprenticeship in Hospitality
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification while still at school
Achieve an SCQF Level 4 or Level 5 qualification as part of the Senior Phase, with no additional exams.
- Real-world, practical learning
Develop hands-on hospitality skills through practical activities, industry projects and employer engagement, rather than purely classroom-based study.
- Strong employer focus
The course is designed with employers and reflects real workplace expectations, helping learners become work-ready.
- Enhances employability and meta-skills
Build highly valued skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, customer service and self-confidence.
- Clear progression pathways
Provides direct routes into Modern Apprenticeships, further college study, or employment within hospitality, tourism and related sectors.
- Supports a wide range of careers
Hospitality skills are transferable and open doors to careers in hotels, catering, events, tourism, retail and customer service.
- No formal entry requirements
Open to learners with an interest in hospitality, making it an inclusive and accessible vocational pathway.
- Complements academic subjects
Runs alongside Highers and Nationals, offering a practical balance to traditional academic learning.
- Develops professional behaviours early
Learners gain experience of punctuality, responsibility and workplace standards expected by employers.
- Industry with global opportunities
Hospitality offers long-term career prospects, international opportunities and clear progression to supervisory and management roles.