Free Level 1 Food Preparation and Cooking course in Blackburn. Classes run at Blackburn College, part-time during the day, so you can fit study around other commitments. You'll work in a professional kitchen alongside classmates, learning how to prepare and cook food and present dishes. The course covers a wide range of topics, from ingredients and techniques to working as part of a kitchen team. It takes one year to complete. A great starting point if you've completed an entry level qualification or equivalent.
Who this course is for
Catering and food profession is an exciting career path that's all about understanding food and ingredients. In particular you'll learn how to prepare and cook food and how to serve your dishes. You will gain experience of a wide range of study topics and work within a professional kitchen with your classmates as a kitchen team.
Entry requirements
You will need to have completed the entry level qualification or equivalent.
What you will learn
You'll prepare a range of ingredients using professional kitchen techniques.
You'll cook dishes to a standard expected in a working kitchen environment.
You'll learn how to present and serve food.
You'll work as part of a kitchen team, understanding roles and responsibilities.
You'll develop knowledge of food hygiene and safe food handling practices.
You'll explore a variety of ingredients and understand how they work in cooking.
How you will learn
You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in a professional kitchen, working alongside other learners as a kitchen team. Classroom-based sessions support your practical work with underpinning knowledge of food, ingredients, and kitchen practice. Assessment is through practical tasks and observations carried out during your training.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Blackburn College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Kitchen assistant: supporting chefs with food prep and service
Catering assistant: working in school, hospital, or workplace kitchens
Commis chef: entry-level cooking role in restaurants or hotels
Food counter assistant: preparing and serving food in cafes or canteens
Catering team member: working in event or hospitality catering
What you could study next
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery: the natural next step, covering more complex cooking skills and techniques required for kitchen roles.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering (Highfield or CIEH): a short qualification many employers expect alongside a cooking qualification.
Level 2 Hospitality Team Member Apprenticeship: combines on-the-job training with a recognised qualification in a hospitality setting.
