Free Level 1 Food Preparation and Cooking course in Burton-on-Trent. Classes run at Burton Town Centre Campus, full-time during the day. Over one year, you'll develop practical kitchen skills including knife skills, food safety, food presentation, and barista skills. You'll also cover food and beverage service, working in a training kitchen and restaurant environment. Entry requires a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade G or above, or an equivalent Functional Skills qualification, plus a successful interview and initial assessment.
Who this course is for
This course will provide you with the practical skills needed to work within the hospitality industry. You will learn basic cookery and food service skills, whilst working in our training kitchen and food service environments.
Entry requirements
Minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade G or above (or Entry 3/Level 1 Functional Skills equivalent in English and maths); successful interview and initial assessment; successful completion of Entry Level programme (progressing learners).
What you will learn
You'll practise knife skills and safe food handling techniques.
You'll prepare and cook a wide range of food types.
You'll learn food presentation and plating standards.
You'll develop food and beverage service skills.
You'll understand food safety and hygiene in a professional kitchen.
You'll learn how to work as a barista.
You'll gain experience working in a bistro and fine dining restaurant setting.
How you will learn
You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in a purpose-built skills kitchen, a bistro, and a fine dining restaurant. Classroom-based learning supports your practical work. Assessment is through the NVQ format, meaning your skills and knowledge are assessed as you work, rather than through a single exam.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Burton Town Centre Campus 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
Barista: preparing and serving coffee in cafés or restaurants
Food service assistant: serving customers in restaurants or bistros
Hospitality team member: front-of-house or kitchen support roles
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery: the next step if you want to develop your cooking skills further and work toward a chef role.
Level 2 Diploma in Food and Beverage Service: focuses on front-of-house skills for those drawn to the service side of hospitality.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering: a short qualification that strengthens your food hygiene credentials for kitchen work.
