The Cedar Court Hospitality Skills course provides learners with the opportunity to develop practical hospitality, catering and employability skills in a real working environment within a sheltered housing community. Learners work as part of a team to prepare, cook and serve food, interact with customers, and develop valuable workplace skills while supporting the local community.
The course promotes confidence, independence, communication, teamwork and customer service through meaningful interaction with residents and visitors. This course is suitable for learners working from Entry Level through to Level 1. Activities will be adapted to meet individual abilities and learning goals.
- Develop practical hospitality and catering skills.
- Improve customer service and communication skills.
- Gain confidence interacting with members of the public.
- Understand food hygiene and health and safety requirements.
- Work effectively as part of a team.
- Develop skills in food preparation, service and kitchen organisation.
- Improve employability skills including punctuality, reliability and problem-solving.
- Work towards individual learning goals identified on their Individual Learning Plan (ILP).
Starting:
- From 18th September 2026 to 11th December 2026
- From 15th January 2027 to 19th March 2027
- From 23rd April 2027 to 9th July 2027
Course fee: £307*
*Please note this course is free for eligible learners
To find out more about the course and to register, please contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
This is a Supported Learning Hospitality course designed for adults who would benefit from additional learning support. The course starts at Entry Level 3 and provides learners with the opportunity to develop practical hospitality skills, confidence, independence, communication skills and employability skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The programme is suitable for learners with a range of support needs, including SEND, learning difficulties, autism, mental health needs, physical disabilities, ESOL needs, social anxiety, and other barriers to learning. Sessions take place once a week and are designed to help learners progress at a pace that suits their individual needs and goals.
During the course learners will:
- Develop practical hospitality and catering skills.
- Increase their confidence and independence.
- Improve communication and teamwork skills.
- Gain knowledge of health, safety and food hygiene.
- Build employability and customer service skills.
- Develop skills for everyday life and the workplace.
- Work towards personal learning and progression goals.
- Be better prepared for further learning, volunteering or employment opportunities.
The course starts at Entry Level 3 and can be adapted to meet individual learner needs. Learners may have opportunities to progress to higher-level courses where appropriate.
Starting:
- From 14th September 2026 to 23rd November 2026
- From 18th September 2026 to 27th November 2026
- From 4th January 2027 to 15th March 2027
- From 8th January 2027 to 19th March 2027
- From 12th April 2027 to 28th June 2027
- From 16th April 2027 to 25th June 2027
Course fee: £467*
*Please note this course is free to eligible learners
To find out more about the course and to register, please contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
Skills for Employment in Hospitality is an intensive, fast-paced programme designed to prepare learners for employment in the hospitality sector as quickly as possible. The course focuses on developing the practical skills, industry knowledge, professional behaviours and confidence that employers are looking for in entry-level hospitality staff.
Learners will gain hands-on experience in areas such as customer service, barista skills, teamwork, communication, workplace professionalism, health and safety, and food hygiene awareness. The course is designed to help learners become job market ready by developing the skills, attitudes and understanding required to secure and sustain employment in hospitality.
During the course, learners will:
- Complete learning towards a Level 1 Hospitality qualification.
- Develop practical Level 2 Barista Skills, including preparing a range of hot beverages and operating coffee equipment safely.
- Gain Level 2 Food Safety knowledge and understand safe food handling practices.
- Develop excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Understand employer expectations and professional workplace behaviours.
- Improve teamwork, problem-solving and time management skills.
- Increase confidence when working with customers and colleagues.
- Understand the different career opportunities within the hospitality sector.
- Create a progression plan towards employment, apprenticeships or further training.
No previous qualifications are required. However, learners should be interested in working within the hospitality industry and be committed to developing the skills, knowledge and professional behaviours needed for employment. Learners should be prepared for a fast-paced programme with a strong focus on progression into work.
Starting:
- From 21st September 2026 to 6th October 2026
- From 22nd February 2027 to 9th March 2027
- From 10th May 2027 to 25th May 2027
Course fee: £535.50*
*Please note this course is free for eligible learners
To find out more about the course and to register, please contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
This course is designed to help learners develop the skills and confidence needed to apply for jobs successfully. Learners will learn how to create or improve a professional CV, complete job applications, search for employment opportunities, and prepare for interviews. The course includes practical activities that help learners identify their strengths, present themselves positively to employers, and develop effective communication skills.
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Produce or update a professional CV.
- Understand how to tailor a CV to different job roles.
- Develop job search skills.
- Complete application forms more effectively.
- Prepare for interviews with confidence.
- Practise answering common interview questions.
- Improve communication and presentation skills.
- Identify personal strengths, skills and experience relevant to employment.
This course is suitable for learners working from Entry Level to Level 2. Activities and support will be adapted to meet individual needs and abilities. No previous qualifications or experience are required. Learners should be interested in developing their employability skills and preparing for work or further training.
Starting:
- From 12th October 2026 to 15th October 2026
- From 14th October 2026 to 22nd October 2026
- From 15th March 2027 to 25th March 2027
- From 17th March 2027 to 25th March 2027
- From 7th June 2027 to 17th June 2027
- From 9th June 2027 to 17th June 2027
Course fee: £139*
*Please note this course is free for eligible learners
To find out more about the course and to register, please contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
This workshop is designed to help learners identify and take their next steps towards employment. Learners will explore career options, identify their skills and strengths, set realistic employment goals, and develop the confidence needed to move into work, volunteering, work experience, apprenticeships or further training. The workshop provides practical guidance on overcoming barriers to employment and understanding what employers are looking for.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Identify their skills, strengths and areas for development.
- Explore suitable employment and training opportunities.
- Understand different routes into employment.
- Develop a personal action plan for their next steps.
- Increase confidence in seeking work.
- Understand employer expectations and workplace behaviours.
- Recognise transferable skills gained through work, volunteering and everyday experiences.
Starting:
- From 9th September 2026 to 24th November 2026
- From 11th January 2027 to 8th February 2027
- From 21st June 2027 to 6th July 2027
Course fee: £181*
*Please note this course is free to eligible learners
To find out more about the course and to register, please contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
This is an accredited Business and Retail course designed for adults who are interested in exploring the retail sector and developing the skills needed to work in customer-facing roles. The course provides learners with an introduction to the world of retail, customer service, merchandising, teamwork, communication and workplace expectations.
Learners will gain practical knowledge and experience of retail environments while developing confidence, employability skills and an understanding of how businesses operate. The course is suitable for individuals who are considering a future career in retail, customer service, administration, sales or self-employment.
- At the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Understand the basics of the retail industry.
- Develop excellent customer service skills.
- Learn how products are displayed and promoted.
- Improve communication and teamwork skills.
- Gain confidence interacting with customers and colleagues.
- Understand workplace expectations and responsibilities.
- Develop employability skills for retail and business environments.
- Achieve an accredited qualification (where applicable).
- Be better prepared for employment, volunteering or further study.
This course is typically delivered at Entry Level 3 or Level 1, depending on the qualification and learner’s starting point. Learners will work towards an externally accredited qualification in Business and Retail, subject to successful completion of the course requirements.
No previous retail experience or qualifications are required. The course is designed for beginners and those wishing to explore opportunities within the retail sector.
Starting:
- From 23rd September 2026 to 8th October 2026
- From 24th February 2027 to 11th March 2027
- From 12th May 2027 to 27th May 2027
Course fee: £429*
*Please note this course is free to eligible learners
To find out more about the course and to register, please contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
Supporting our learners to progress into and within work is at the heart of our offer as a College. Not only do we embed employability and personal development skills support in our accredited courses, we also work with agencies such as Job Centre Plus and other employment support services to provide bespoke support.
These courses are designed to support your transition into work or progression within work. Typically designed alongside employers, these courses will provide you with skills development and work experience opportunities that will enhance your job prospects.
Our offer to you:
- Courses to develop your employment prospects and confidence;
- Facilities and use of ICT to search and apply for jobs
- Additional learning support