Free Level 1 Cookery Course in Gravesend

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start13 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Culinary Skills Course in Gravesend. Classes run at North Kent College Gravesend, full-time during the day. This culinary skills qualification covers both professional cookery and food and beverage service, giving you a broad grounding across the hospitality industry. You'll explore kitchen skills, service techniques, and the knowledge employers expect at entry level. The course runs for one year. It suits those exploring which area of hospitality to specialise in, as well as those returning to study after a break.

Who this course is for

This programme is specifically for those learners committed to a career in the Hospitality Industry, but who may not yet have made up their mind whether to work in food and beverage service or professional cookery. This programme will develop knowledge and skills across a breadth of hospitality, professional cookery and service, and can contribute towards a higher level within the industry. The programme is aimed at school leavers as well as adults looking to get back into study and achieve a professional qualification in this desirable vocational area.

Stage one of this programme concentrates on the development of knowledge of the professional kitchen and restaurant with units on - kitchen equipment, Health, safety and food hygiene and professional workplace skills. Cookery classes, together with work experience in our contemporary restaurant and canteen, develop an understanding of preparation and cooking techniques such as steaming, stewing, roasting and frying, as well as food service and customer care

Stage two of the programme continues the development of cookery and restaurant skills to give you the knowledge and skills needed to meet the needs of local employers for both front and back of house positions. Restaurant units such as food service, drink service, counter service and Barista Skills are completed in addition to professional cookery units. Taught through practical and theory sessions in our restaurant and classrooms, it is also demonstrated through work as a waiter and assistant in our contemporary restaurant and canteen. In addition, work placements and experiences with our business partners further develop these skills, leading to paid employment and apprenticeships.lts

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical cooking techniques used in professional kitchens.
  • You'll learn food and beverage service skills for front-of-house roles.
  • You'll understand food hygiene and safe working practices in catering environments.
  • You'll explore the hospitality industry and the range of roles within it.
  • You'll practise knife skills, food preparation, and basic cookery methods.
  • You'll build knowledge of ingredients, menus, and how professional kitchens operate.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions and hands-on practical work at North Kent College Gravesend. Assessment combines practical tasks, where you demonstrate cookery and service skills, with knowledge-based work to show your understanding of hospitality and food safety. Your progress is assessed throughout the course rather than through a single final exam.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. North Kent College Gravesend will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Kitchen assistant: supporting chefs in a professional kitchen
  • Commis chef: entry-level cooking role in restaurants or hotels
  • Catering assistant: food preparation in schools, hospitals, or canteens
  • Food and beverage assistant: serving customers in hospitality settings
  • Café or bistro kitchen hand: hands-on food prep in smaller venues

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery: the next step if you want to specialise in the kitchen and work toward a chef role.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Food and Beverage Service: if front-of-house work appeals, this builds on the service skills you've developed.
  • Hospitality apprenticeship: combine work and study at Level 2 or Level 3 with an employer in the industry.

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