Culinary Skills

This course is an ideal starter if you want to work in the hospitality and catering industry.

You will benefit from training and working in our public Aspire Restaurant and modern industry standard kitchens, cooking for and serving real paying customers.

After successful completion of Year 1 you will achieve a Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to Culinary Skills.

On this course you will follow a full-time Study Programme made up of the following four compulsory elements to best prepare you for progression to employment, apprenticeships, further study or applying to university:

• The main subject qualification
• Work experience for a minimum of 37 hours or, on some courses, up to 50 days over an academic year. You will be expected to find placements by researching companies, contacting employers and speaking with college staff. 
• English and maths where students have not yet achieved GCSE grade 4 or above in these subjects
• Additional enhancing activities such as tutorials and work-related learning, including careers fairs, site visits and guest speakers, to help further develop the personal skills relevant to your progression goals

The Culinary Skills Level 1 Qualification

• A range of cookery methods including baking, roasting, steaming, boiling, braising, stewing and frying
• Food and beverage service skills
• Barista skills
• Cook and serve food in Aspire Restaurant
• Taking bookings and payments
• Customer service skills
• Food safety

Trips, visits and activities

As part of the course you will also take part in industry trips and activities including networking events, visits and guest lectures. Previous events have included:

• Industry networking opportunities through work experience and a dedicated industry week
• Guest lectures from a wide range of industry professionals
• Opportunity to meet representatives from universities

Our modern commercial kitchens and commercial fine dining restaurant (Aspire) will provide you with the perfect place to learn your trade in this industry. Gain valuable experience of working in the restaurant and at catering events that will build your CV and enhance your employability.

Explore our virtual tour - Aspire Restaurant (new window)

Explore our virtual tour - Training Kitchens (new window)

Course assessed by:

• 100% coursework / practical

4 GCSEs grade 2 or above (including English and maths)

You will need to attend a College interview. Find out more about How to Apply