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Free Level 1 Professional Cookery Course in Penzance

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyVTCT awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Introduction to Professional Cookery Course in Penzance. Full-time daytime classes run at Penwith College. You'll train in an industry-standard kitchen, covering food preparation, cooking techniques, food production, and food and beverage service. Entry requires at least two GCSEs at grade 3 or above, ideally including English and Maths, or equivalent Level 1 Functional Skills qualifications. Support with English and Maths is available throughout. The course runs for one year. A strong introduction to professional cookery qualification for anyone heading into the hospitality and catering sector.

Who this course is for

If you are looking to begin your journey in the Hospitality industry, the Level 1 Introductory Diploma to Professional Cookery will cover all the basic skills and techniques required in food preparation, production, cooking and food and beverage service. The course is structured to support and develop confidence and skills in a professional kitchen. Students will complete their studies in our industry-standard kitchen environment. Students who enjoy cookery, creating their own dishes and have a desire to learn more about becoming a professional chef will be stretched and challenged, gaining valuable insights into the qualities needed to work in the busy but rewarding Hospitality industry. To support a strong starting point in the hospitality industry, students will study a Level 2 Diploma in Food Safety and a Level 2 Barista qualification alongside this course.

Entry requirements

At least two GCSEs at grade 3 or above, ideally including English and Maths or appropriate level 1 Functional Skills qualifications.

Students must be willing to study for additional qualifications in English and/or Maths if the above is not achieved at GCSE.

Applicants will be invited to attend an interview and will have all of their literacy and numeracy needs supported throughout the programme.

What you will learn

  • You'll practise core food preparation techniques used in professional kitchens.
  • You'll develop cooking skills across a range of dishes and methods.
  • You'll learn food production processes and kitchen workflow.
  • You'll cover food and beverage service skills.
  • You'll follow food safety and hygiene practices in a kitchen setting.
  • You'll work in an industry-standard kitchen environment to build practical experience.

How you will learn

You'll learn through hands-on practical work in Penwith College's industry-standard kitchen, alongside classroom-based study. Assessment includes practical tasks and coursework completed throughout the year. You'll also be assessed on your knowledge of food preparation, cooking methods, and food and beverage service. Applicants attend an interview before starting, and literacy and numeracy support is built into the programme.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Penwith College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Kitchen assistant: support chefs with food prep and service
  • Commis chef: entry-level cooking role in a professional kitchen
  • Catering assistant: food preparation and service in catering settings
  • Food service assistant: front-of-house food and beverage service
  • Hospitality team member: general kitchen and service support roles

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery: the next step for those wanting to work as a commis chef or progress toward a skilled kitchen role.
  • Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths: if you need to meet employer or college entry requirements, these qualifications are the recognised GCSE equivalent.
  • Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Professional Cookery: for those aiming for senior chef or kitchen management roles.
Apply on truro-penwith.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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