Waiter, Waitress, Cook, Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services
You may apply for this education if you meet the requirements for sufficient English language skills. Additionally, you must have a job in restaurant services in Finland and be generally eligible for secondary education.
Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services gives you the opportunity to work as a cook or a waiter/waitress in restaurant and catering services.
As a cook, you will learn about ingredients, prepare delicious meals, maintain kitchen cleanliness, and implement sustainable practices in your work. As a professional in the restaurant industry, you will be able to consider nutritional recommendations and special diets, as well as handle busy situations.
In the role of a restaurant cook, you will use your hands-on skills and create experiences through food. You are responsible for your customers’ comfort, safety, and satisfaction.
In waiter studies, you will learn to recommend, present, sell, serve, and ensure your customers’ comfort and the quality of their experience in the restaurant. In this job, you will use your creativity and interpersonal skills with both international and domestic customers.
The Content of Education
The qualification consists of 180 competence points, including both mandatory and optional modules. Studies are conducted through classroom learning, online courses, and practical work at your workplace.
The scope of the studies is 180 competence points (cp) and it is composed of vocational units (145 cp) and common units (35 cp). Completing the studies takes 2-3 years.
Compulsory vocational units for Food Services 85 cp
- Working in catering services 20 cp
- Preparing lunch dishes 40 cp
- Preparing plated dishes 25 cp
Compulsory vocational units for Customer Service 85 cp
- Working in catering services 20 cp
- Customer service and sales at a restaurant 25 cp
- Serving plated dishes and beverages 40 cp
Optional vocational units 60 cp
- Preparing à la carte dishes 30 cp
- Serving à la carte dishes 30 cp
- Selling and serving beverages 25 cp
- Café services 15 cp
- Street and fast food services 10 cp
- Serving for catering services and special occasions 25 cp
A personal study plan will be made for each student based on their previous experience and studies.
Form of Instruction, Teaching Time and Language
Studies are organized as contact studies during daytime 2-4 days per month at the Samiedu Paviljonki Campus in Savonlinna. Studies are arranged in English.
Study Implementation Method
Studies are conducted according to a personal study plan as in-person learning.
The studies are completed through an apprenticeship and include learning at the educational institution, online, and in the workplace.
Who can apply?
This education is suitable for anyone interested in a degree in restaurant and catering services.
There are some requirements that must be met:
- You must have a job in restaurant services in Finland suitable for your studies before starting the program.
- Minimum score of 85 points on the Duolingo English test.
- A general upper secondary school certificate or diploma.
- Good physical and mental condition to study and work in restaurant and catering services.
Additional information can be found at Opintopolku.fi.
If your application fails to meet the requirements, it will not proceed to the next stage.
Price
The education is free of charge for students.
You are responsible for covering the cost of the Duolingo test certificate.
Students are responsible for covering expenses related to material fees, housing, and travel. Samiedu does not offer scholarships or other financial aid options.
For the resident permit, the applicant must give evidence for the Finnish Immigration Service of having the necessary funds (account) to cover living expenses. Additional information can be found at the Finnish Immigration Service.
Application information
The application period is 14th October – 5th December 2024.
Interviews will be conducted in the calendar week 49 (2nd-5th December). Student admissions will be made by 11th December 2024. A maximum of 20 students will be selected for the education based on sufficient language skills, and the preliminary assignment.
Education is scheduled to start on the 20th January 2025.
Questions related to education or applying can be sent to Ms Laura Tynkkynen, firstname.surname@samiedu.fi. We kindly request that you refrain from making phone calls regarding this matter.
Application Procedure
1 Take the Duolingo English Test
Every applicant must attach a Duolingo English test score certificate (minimum score of 85 points) to their application. Duolingo English Test is an online exam that assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills and takes less than an hour to complete. Official results will be accessible within 48 hours following the examination. This link takes you to the Duolingo English test.
2 Record a max. 2-minute video where you answer the following questions in English:
- Answer in English: Why are you applying to the restaurant and catering services study program?
- Answer in English: How do you think you will cope with your studies?
- Answer in English: What kind of expectations do you have for the education?
You need to be visible in the video. Please attach a link to your video in your application. (We do not accept the video as an attachment. Please ensure the link works.) Videos longer than 2 minutes will not be assessed.
3 Attach certificates of your previous education as well as Duolingo English test certificate and video link to the application.
All applicants who have submitted the necessary certificates and meet the requirements will be invited for an interview. The invitation is sent via email.
