Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services

The restaurant and catering industry offers a variety of opportunities to work with customers, food and memorable experiences.

The Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services includes two competence areas. At Varia, you can specialise in either Customer Service or Food Services.

Graduates of the Customer Service competence area qualify as waiters/waitresses. They create positive customer experiences and master the core tasks of serving, sales and customer service.

Graduates of the Food Services competence area qualify as cooks. They prepare high-quality and delicious meals and are skilled in key food preparation methods, ingredients and food hygiene practices.

Location

The programme is delivered at Varia’s Hiekkaharju campus: Tennistie 1, 01370 Vantaa.

Study Format

The studies combine theoretical learning and practical training at the college with workplace learning through a training agreement or apprenticeship.

Students demonstrate their competence through practical work tasks in authentic working environments.

Duration

The duration of studies is determined individually in the Personal Competence Development Plan (PCDP/HOKS), which takes previously acquired competence into account. On average, completing the qualification takes approximately 2–3 years.

The Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services comprises 180 competence points. The qualification consists of 145 competence points of vocational units and 35 competence points of common units. Of the vocational units, 85 competence points are compulsory and 60 competence points are optional. The programme also includes studies that support learning skills, such as Finnish as a second language and working life in Finland.

Study Costs

Studies, textbooks, tools and learning materials required for completing the qualification are generally free of charge until the student reaches the age of 20. After that, costs may arise for tools, materials and workwear required for studies, depending on the field. For more information about study-related costs and possible fees, please visit the Study Costs page.

Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA who begin their studies on or after 1 August 2026 may be subject to tuition fees in upper secondary vocational education.

International Work Based Learning

The students have the opportunity to apply for international work based learning period.

Further studies 

The Vocational Qualification in  Restaurant and Catering Services provides eligibility for further studies at universities of applied sciences and universities.

Pathway Studies

As a Varia student, you can complete university of applied sciences studies alongside your vocational qualification.

Completed pathway studies may later be recognised as part of a university of applied sciences degree if you choose to continue your studies after graduation.

Applying

Continuous application is open to applicants of all ages regardless of their previous educational background.