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Free Level 1 Catering and Hospitality Course in Lincoln

CostFREE
Duration42 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAim Awards awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 1 Skills for Working in Catering and Hospitality Industries Course in Lincoln. Classes run at Lincoln College, full-time during the day. This skills for working in catering and hospitality industries qualification covers food preparation, kitchen practice, and the core skills employers look for in catering and hospitality roles. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm the right starting level for you. The course runs for 42 weeks.

Who this course is for

Do you love cooking? Would you like to work in catering one day? How would you like to learn to cook professionally? This course is the perfect place to start.

On the Skills for Catering course, at Entry Level Three and Level One, you choose catering-related units from the options available to achieve an AIM's Extended Certificate in Personal and Social Development, alongside a City & Guilds Award. There is also a chance for you to complete a range of course-related externally accredited qualifications throughout the year. You will complete a one or two-year course where the ultimate goal is to access either further education within the college or get a job.

There is a large practical element of this course, as you help to run Growing Futures Community Cafe. It is open to the public where fresh meals are produced daily by the learners. You will work in all areas of the business including cooking, baking and front-of-house serving customers and using the till.

Alongside this, you will complete Maths and English sessions at a level that is suitable for you (Functional Skills or GCSE). Time is given for tutorial, enterprise, enrichment and personal development activities and opportunities. Employability skills and work experience are also delivered related to your vocational choice. You'll be allocated a Personal Tutor, who will guide and support you through the year. All courses start with an introduction programme to assist learners to settle into College.

As part of the Skills for Catering course, you will have lessons that focus on technical skills and a wide variety of topics such as:

  • Knife skills
  • Preparing and presenting dishes
  • Looking into fresh ingredients, produce, and ways to present
  • Menu planning and cooking for events: planning in advance for upcoming events and considering special dietary requirements

Entry requirements

No formal entry requirements are needed but the you should be working at Entry Level, have a desire to progress, a strong interest in catering and a willingness to learn. You will be interviewed to identify your specific requirements. An English and Maths assessment will also be carried out at an interview to find the correct level for you.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop food preparation and cooking techniques used in professional kitchens.
  • You'll learn how to maintain food hygiene and safety standards.
  • You'll practise working safely in a catering environment.
  • You'll build knowledge of hospitality industry roles and workplace expectations.
  • You'll develop customer service skills relevant to catering and hospitality settings.
  • You'll complete a range of catering-related units chosen from available options.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions and hands-on practical work at Lincoln College. Assessment is through a combination of unit-based tasks and practical observation. You'll build a portfolio of evidence as you work through your chosen catering units. Some units may also involve externally assessed components.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Kitchen assistant: supporting chefs with food prep and service
  • Catering assistant: working in school, hospital, or workplace kitchens
  • Hospitality team member: front-of-house or back-of-house roles
  • Café or canteen worker: preparing and serving food to customers
  • Food service assistant: plating and delivering meals in care or event settings

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Certificate in Professional Cookery: the next step if you want to train as a chef or work in a professional kitchen.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Hospitality Services: broadens your skills across front-of-house, food service, and accommodation.
  • Level 2 Food Safety Award: a short compliance qualification many hospitality employers ask for.
Apply on lincolncollege.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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