Hospitality and catering at Salford College of Further Education

Salford College of Further Education launch their Centre of Excellence in Hospitality and Catering, at their Walkden campus open event. 

For those interested in having a career in the fast-paced and innovative hospitality and catering industry, Salford College offer unique opportunities and have the facilities needed to cook-up the perfect career.

Strong industry links means the department can accommodate exceptional work experience opportunities, and visits to a range of world-class catering establishments, restaurants and hotels. These include links with celebrity chef and restaurant owner James Martin, Manchester City’s award-winning F3 Restaurant at the Etihad, and the ‘two Michelin starred’ restaurant, The Hand and Flowers.

As well as the professionals the college collaborates with, staff within the department have a wealth of knowledge to share with students. The team have over 100 years’ experience in hotel, fine dining and industrial catering. Between them they have held prestigious roles at various 4-star Marriot Hotels and Sheraton Hotels in the UK, Berlin, Milan and Zurich, and have even covered catering for Royal visits.  

Head of Department Martin Coughlan is also the Managing Director of his own, local catering business.

After completing their studies at Salford College, employment and Higher Education pathways are unrestricted. Students have gone on to work in Michelin starred restaurants, working with celebrity employers, and to train further.

Finlay Wheeler, former Canon Slade pupil, finished his studies at Walkden in 2014, he has since gone on to work in L’Enclume, Simon Rogan’s ‘two Michelin starred’ restaurant, The Midland Hotel and James Martins 235.

The college also boasts outstanding industry standard equipment and kitchens. Walkden Centre is home to The Glass House, a professional and specialist training restaurant, exclusively used by the department, and open to the public. Here students host functions, afternoon teas and serve set menus and a la carte options.

Further to this, students are offered more than just a chance to gain a qualification, they are invited to compete in national and regional skills competitions including the GMCG Skills Competition and the Hospitality Skills Show.