Level 1 Food Preparation and Cooking Course in Harlow. Classes run full-time at Harlow College, starting September 2026. This is a practical, hands-on food preparation and cooking qualification. Over one year, you'll develop cookery skills and prepare a wide range of dishes. You'll also cover food hygiene, health and safety, teamwork, and customer care. These are the everyday essentials of working in a professional kitchen. Costs include uniform, books, equipment, visits, and a locker. A bursary may be available to help with these.
Who this course is for
This is a practical programme, which helps you to develop skills in cooking. These skills will allow you to prepare a wide range of dishes. The Certificate gives you an excellent grounding in the hospitality and catering industry.
Entry requirements
This course is suitable for a student who has a passion for hospitality and catering and wants to develop their skills and knowledge in this sector.
What you will learn
You'll prepare and cook food using boiling, poaching, and steaming techniques.
You'll prepare and cook food by stewing and braising.
You'll prepare and cook food by baking, roasting, and grilling.
You'll prepare and cook food by deep frying and shallow frying.
You'll identify and use kitchen equipment safely and correctly.
You'll apply food safety principles in a catering environment.
You'll develop teamwork and customer care skills used in hospitality workplaces.
How you will learn
You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in a kitchen environment. Assessment includes short answer tests, practical exams, and written questions. Units cover food safety in catering, kitchen equipment, and a range of cooking methods. The course is classroom and kitchen based, running full-time during the day.
What you will need to bring
Harlow College lists the following costs for this course: uniform, books, and equipment (£300); visits (£80); and a locker (£10). You may be entitled to a bursary to help cover these costs. Contact Harlow College to find out what support is available before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Kitchen assistant: supporting chefs with food preparation and cooking tasks.
Catering assistant: preparing and serving food in schools, hospitals, or canteens.
Commis chef: entry-level kitchen role preparing ingredients and basic dishes.
Food production operative: preparing food in a commercial or factory setting.
Hospitality team member: working across food service and kitchen support roles.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Culinary Skills: the natural next step from this course, building on your cookery skills for more skilled kitchen roles.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering: a standalone food hygiene qualification recognised by hospitality employers.
Level 2 NVQ in Hospitality Services: broadens your skills across front-of-house and catering environments.
