Free Level 1 Cookery Course in Tonbridge

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 Tonbridge. Classes run at North Kent College Tonbridge. This full-time daytime course covers both professional cookery and food and beverage service, giving you a broad foundation across the hospitality industry. You'll spend one year building practical kitchen skills alongside front-of-house knowledge. The course suits those who want to explore the industry before committing to a specialist route. This City and Guilds culinary skills qualification can support progression to higher-level hospitality programmes.

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.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical professional cookery techniques used in commercial kitchens.
  • You'll learn food and beverage service skills for front-of-house roles.
  • You'll understand food safety and hygiene practices in a catering environment.
  • You'll explore the hospitality industry and the range of roles within it.
  • You'll practise knife skills, preparation methods, and basic cooking processes.
  • You'll build knowledge of menu planning and kitchen organisation.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions and hands-on practical work in a professional kitchen environment. Assessment is through a combination of practical tasks and knowledge-based work. Your progress will be 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 Tonbridge will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Chef: entry-level kitchen roles in restaurants, cafes, and hotels.
  • Kitchen assistant: supporting chefs with food preparation and service.
  • Commis chef: the starting point for how to become a professional chef.
  • Food and beverage assistant: serving and hosting in hospitality venues.
  • Catering assistant: preparing and serving food in schools, hospitals, or events.
  • Barista or café assistant: front-of-house food and drink service roles.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery: the next step if you want to specialise in kitchen work and move toward a chef career.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Food and Beverage Service: for those who prefer front-of-house hospitality roles.
  • Hospitality Apprenticeship: combine on-the-job training with a recognised qualification while earning a wage.

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