Free Level 1 Professional Cookery Course in Wigan. Classes run at Wigan and Leigh College. You'll need a minimum of 5 GCSEs graded 9 - 2 (or equivalent) to enrol. The course runs full-time over 35 weeks, covering food ingredients, methods of cookery, and basic presentation skills. You'll train using industry-standard equipment in a purpose-built training kitchen and the college's award-winning Wheel Restaurant. This level 1 professional cookery qualification is a solid first step toward a career as a chef or in catering and hospitality.
Who this course is for
Budding chefs learn the skills, techniques and knowledge required to enter the catering industry. You will use industry standard equipment in our purpose built training kitchen and the award winning Wheel Restaurant to develop the skills required for a successful career in catering and hospitality. Do you have a passion for food? Are you creative in the kitchen and want to learn more skills? This Level 1 course will help you understand food ingredients, methods of cookery and basic presentation skills.
Entry requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSE subjects graded 9-2 subjects or equivalent.
What you will learn
You'll learn to identify and work with a range of food ingredients.
You'll practise core cookery methods and techniques.
You'll develop basic food presentation skills.
You'll use industry-standard kitchen equipment safely and correctly.
You'll gain experience in a working restaurant environment.
You'll build knowledge of food hygiene and kitchen safety.
How you will learn
You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in a professional training kitchen and in the Wigan and Leigh College restaurant. Classroom-based theory sessions support your practical work. Assessment is through a combination of practical tasks and written work completed throughout the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Wigan and Leigh College 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
Café or bistro cook: preparing food in smaller hospitality settings
Hospitality team member: front-of-house or back-of-house catering roles
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery (City and Guilds): the natural next step, covering a wider range of techniques and preparing you for skilled kitchen roles.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering: a short compliance qualification many employers require.
Catering and Hospitality Apprenticeship: combine on-the-job training with a recognised qualification while earning a wage.
