Free Level 1 Culinary Skills Course in Dunstable. Classes run full-time at Bedford College Dunstable Campus, five days a week during the day. The course takes one year to complete. You'll cover the core skills used in professional kitchens, from food preparation and cooking techniques to kitchen hygiene and safety. It's a practical, hands-on culinary skills qualification that gives you a solid foundation for working in catering and hospitality. A level 1 culinary skills certificate is a recognised starting point for roles in food service and kitchen work.
Who this course is for
Course Summary can be found on the course page of the website
Entry requirements
Entry requirements can be found on the course page of the website
What you will learn
You'll practise basic knife skills and food preparation techniques.
You'll learn how to cook a range of dishes using different methods.
You'll follow food hygiene and safety rules used in professional kitchens.
You'll understand how to store and handle food correctly.
You'll develop skills in presenting and finishing dishes.
You'll learn how a professional kitchen is organised and how to work within it.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical, hands-on sessions in a kitchen environment. Assessment is based on your practical performance and skills demonstrations. You may also complete written tasks or short assignments to show your understanding of food safety and kitchen practices. Your progress will be assessed throughout the course rather than in a single final exam.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Bedford College Dunstable Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Kitchen assistant: supporting chefs with food prep and service
Commis chef: entry-level cooking role in a professional kitchen
Catering assistant: preparing and serving food in schools, hospitals, or canteens
Food service assistant: working front-of-house in cafes or restaurants
Hospitality team member: general food and drink service roles
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery: the next step toward working as a chef, covering a wider range of cooking techniques and kitchen skills.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering: a short qualification that many employers in food service require.
Level 2 Hospitality and Catering qualification: broadens your knowledge across the wider hospitality sector if you want to explore front-of-house or management roles.
