Free Level 1 Culinary Skills Course in Widnes. Evening classes run at Riverside College Kingsway Campus, so you can fit study around your week. The course runs part-time over two months. You'll have an initial assessment after you apply to make sure this is the right level for you. The course covers the core skills used in professional kitchens, from food preparation to basic cooking techniques. It's a practical introduction to working in catering and hospitality.
Who this course is for
Aimed at 19+ learners
Entry requirements
Initial assessment after application
What you will learn
You'll prepare and handle food safely in a kitchen environment.
You'll use basic knife skills and food preparation techniques.
You'll cook a range of dishes using standard kitchen methods.
You'll follow food hygiene and safety practices.
You'll work with kitchen equipment correctly and safely.
You'll present food to a basic professional standard.
How you will learn
Classes are classroom and kitchen based, with hands-on practical work at the centre. You'll be assessed through practical tasks and observations in the kitchen. There may also be short written or knowledge-based activities. Your tutor will assess your skills as you work through the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Riverside College Kingsway Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Chef: entry-level kitchen roles in restaurants and cafes
Kitchen assistant: supporting chefs with food preparation
Catering assistant: food prep and service in schools, hospitals, or offices
Commis chef: junior chef role in professional kitchens
Café assistant: food preparation and counter service work
What you could study next
Level 2 Award or Certificate in Professional Cookery: the next step toward working as a chef, covering a wider range of cooking techniques and kitchen skills.
Level 2 Food Safety in Catering: a short qualification many employers ask for, covering hygiene and food safety in professional kitchens.
Level 2 Hospitality and Catering: broadens your knowledge to include front-of-house and hospitality service alongside kitchen work.
