Free Level 1 Food and Cookery Skills in Ashford. Classes run at Ashford Gateway Plus. This full-time daytime food and cookery skills course runs for 11 months and covers the practical and underpinning knowledge you need to work in a café, kitchen, or wider hospitality setting. You'll study food preparation, cooking techniques, and the essentials of working in a catering environment. The level 1 food and cookery skills qualification is awarded by NCFE.
Who this course is for
Young people who want to learn everything about working in a cafe, or the wider hospitality industry.
What you will learn
You'll prepare and cook a range of dishes using standard kitchen techniques.
You'll learn food hygiene and safe food handling practices.
You'll develop knife skills and understand how to use kitchen equipment safely.
You'll explore ingredients, flavours, and basic menu knowledge.
You'll understand how a professional kitchen or café operates.
You'll practise portion control and presentation of food.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical, hands-on sessions in a classroom and kitchen setting at Ashford Gateway Plus. Assessment is based on practical tasks and assignments completed during the course. You'll be assessed on what you can do as well as what you know, so both your cooking skills and your understanding of food and catering are covered.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Ashford Gateway Plus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Chef: entry-level kitchen roles in cafés and restaurants.
Kitchen assistant: supporting chefs in food preparation and service.
Café assistant: food preparation and front-of-house café work.
Catering assistant: food service in schools, hospitals, or events.
Food counter assistant: serving and presenting food in retail or catering settings.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery: the next step if you want to work as a chef or in a professional kitchen.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering: a short qualification many hospitality employers ask for.
Level 2 Hospitality Team Member Apprenticeship: combines on-the-job training with a recognised qualification.
