Free Level 1 Culinary Skills Course in Worcester. Classes run at Heart of Worcestershire College. This full-time daytime culinary skills course runs five days a week and covers the core cooking techniques used in professional kitchens. You'll study boiling, poaching, steaming, frying, grilling, baking, and roasting, alongside menu planning, food safety, special diets, and presentation skills. The course also develops your maths, English, and IT skills. Work placement opportunities are included. The course takes one year full-time.
Who this course is for
Are you interested in the catering and hospitality industry? Do you have a passion for food and customer service? Then this Introduction to Culinary Skills could be the perfect match for you. Throughout the course you�ll have the opportunity to investigate the hospitality industry, studying modules in; Menu Planning, Food Safety, Special Diets and Presentation Skills. You�ll also have the opportunity to put your skills to the test with work placement opportunities throughout the duration of your
Entry requirements
2 GCSE's grade 2 or above in English and Maths.
What you will learn
You'll practise core cooking methods including boiling, poaching, steaming, frying, grilling, baking, and roasting.
You'll learn how to plan menus for different occasions and dietary needs.
You'll understand food safety practices used in professional kitchens.
You'll develop knowledge of special diets and how to adapt dishes accordingly.
You'll build presentation skills for plating and serving food.
You'll improve your maths, English, and IT skills alongside your cookery training.
You'll develop teamwork and personal skills needed for the workplace.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a mix of lectures and practical kitchen sessions in the classroom. Each cooking method is assessed through a practical assessment. There are also written elements covering topics such as menu planning, food safety, and special diets. You'll attend up to five days a week. Entry requires 2 GCSEs at grade 2 or above in English and Maths. A practical or written skills test may also be required before you start.
What you will need to bring
You'll need to bring your own chef whites, trousers, aprons, hat, oven cloths, safety shoes, and chef knives. These are purchased through an educational chef's equipment provider. Heart of Worcestershire College will confirm the details before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Chef: entry-level kitchen roles in restaurants, hotels, and cafes.
Kitchen assistant: supporting chefs in food preparation and service.
Catering assistant: working in schools, hospitals, or workplace canteens.
Commis chef: the starting point for a professional chef career.
Food service assistant: front-of-house food and drink service roles.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery: the next step toward a skilled chef role, covering more advanced techniques and kitchen management.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering: a short qualification many catering employers ask for.
Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths: if you want to strengthen your qualifications alongside your culinary skills qualification.
