Level 1 Hospitality and Catering Course in Cambridge

CostFee:1451.00 Concession: 164.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start3 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Level 1 Hospitality and Catering Course in Cambridge. Classes run at Cambridge Regional College, full-time during the day. The course runs for one year and covers the skills needed across the culinary arts and hospitality industry. You will need 2 GCSEs at grade 2 (E) or above to apply. Each applicant is considered on experience, suitability, and school reference. This is a City and Guilds level 1 hospitality and catering qualification, building practical skills for roles in kitchens and hospitality settings.

Who this course is for

Course Overview

Course Overview

This one-year course is suitable for learners 16 and over. It will enable you to achieve a Level 1 VRQ Diploma in Professional Cookery. This course will also help you to learn, develop and practise the skills required for various sectors of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality industry and subsequent career progression.

A smart and professional image is essential as you will be working with the public Great importance is placed upon reliability - regular attendance and punctuality are essential You will have a strong passion for the catering industry

Course modules include:

Food safety Health and Safety Healthy Foods and special diets Kitchen Equipment Personal Workplace Skills Preparation and cooking methods such as boiling, poaching, steaming, baking, roasting, grilling, braising and stewing.

As with all our programmes, this course includes tutorial sessions and individual reviews, giving you individual time with your personal tutor. You will also have the opportunity to study and achieve further qualifications in GCSE or Functional Skills English and Maths to assist in your personal development.

You will be interviewed as part of the College Welcome Event, which will also include screening and assessment. If successful in gaining a place you will be required to attend a Taster Day during the summer before the start of your course.

Kit and Uniform - You will need to purchase a kit and uniform before the start of the programme, the Level 1 mandatory kit and uniform will cost around GBP160 subject to change slightly with inflation. There is also up to GBP60 of optional extra’s and further details will be given to you at the Welcome Event.

Entry requirements

You will need 2 GCSEs at grade 2 (E) or above. Potential candidates must demonstrate their commitment and enthusiasm towards a career within the industry. Each candidate will be considered on their experience, suitability and school reference showing good attendance and behaviour.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical food preparation and cooking techniques used in professional kitchens.
  • You'll learn the standards of hygiene and food safety required in catering environments.
  • You'll practise working to a professional image and presentation expected in hospitality roles.
  • You'll explore different sectors of the culinary arts and hospitality industry.
  • You'll build skills in working with the public in a hospitality setting.
  • You'll understand the importance of reliability and consistent attendance in industry roles.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and hands-on practical work at Cambridge Regional College. Assessment is based on practical tasks, observations, and coursework completed throughout the year. You'll work in a professional environment with the public as part of your training, which means punctuality, appearance, and conduct are assessed alongside your technical skills.

What you will need to bring

A smart, professional appearance is required as you'll be working with the public during the course. Cambridge Regional College will confirm any specific uniform or equipment requirements before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Chef: entry-level kitchen roles in restaurants, hotels, and catering.
  • Hospitality team member: front-of-house and customer service positions.
  • Kitchen assistant: food preparation support in professional kitchens.
  • Catering assistant: event, school, or workplace catering roles.
  • Commis chef: junior cooking role, the starting point for how to become a chef.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery: the natural next step, deepening your practical cookery skills and opening doors to skilled kitchen roles.
  • Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles: broadens your knowledge across front-of-house and catering operations.
  • Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Professional Cookery: for those aiming toward senior chef or supervisory kitchen roles.

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