Free Level 1 Professional Cookery Course in Bootle. Full-time daytime classes run at Hugh Baird College Bootle. Over 35 weeks, you'll build core kitchen skills: food preparation, cooking techniques, and the hygiene and safety standards professional kitchens expect. This level 1 professional cookery qualification covers the foundations employers look for when hiring kitchen staff. You'll have an initial assessment to make sure the course is the right level for you.
Who this course is for
https://hughbaird.ac.uk/our-courses/sta:College
Entry requirements
https://www.hughbaird.ac.uk/entry-requirements
What you will learn
You'll prepare and cook a range of dishes using professional techniques.
You'll follow food hygiene and safety procedures used in commercial kitchens.
You'll handle, store, and prepare ingredients correctly.
You'll use and maintain kitchen equipment safely.
You'll understand how a professional kitchen is organised and run.
You'll develop knife skills and basic cooking methods across different food types.
How you will learn
You'll learn through hands-on practical work in a professional kitchen environment, alongside classroom sessions covering food safety and kitchen operations. Assessment includes practical tasks where you demonstrate cooking skills, and short written or knowledge-based activities. You'll be assessed on what you can do as well as what you know.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Hugh Baird College Bootle will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Commis chef: entry-level role preparing and cooking in a professional kitchen.
Kitchen assistant: supporting chefs with prep, cooking, and service.
Catering assistant: food preparation in schools, hospitals, or workplace canteens.
Breakfast chef: morning kitchen shifts in hotels or cafes.
Prep cook: ingredient preparation and basic cooking in restaurants or catering companies.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery (City and Guilds): the natural next step, covering more advanced techniques and kitchen roles.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering: a short qualification many employers expect alongside a cookery qualification.
Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery: for those aiming toward senior chef or chef de partie roles.
