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This course provides an exciting introduction to the catering industry. You will develop skills and knowledge required for a career in the Culinary Arts industry. The course covers a range of cooking skills, kitchen safety, food preparation cooking and culinary terminology.

The course is predominately hands on practical experience in our superbly equipped kitchens and restaurant. By the end of the course you will have developed a solid foundation in cooking techniques helping you succeed in a job and the opportunity to progress to level 2 Culinary Arts.

  • What will I study?

    The units you will study are likely to include:

    Core Units:

    • Food safety
    • Health and safety in catering
    • Healthier foods
    • Costs and menu planning
    • Preparing and cooking different foods. All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
  • Who is this course for?

    This course is ideal for you if you have an interest in catering, require support with literacy and numeracy which will be essential for achieving further qualifications and wish to gain a Level 1 qualification in catering.

  • How is the course assessed?

    For these qualifications you will complete a variety of practical demonstrations/synoptic exams, assignments and take multiple choice examinations.

  • Your Study Programme

    If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can. All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses). Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career. Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.

  • Knowledge

    You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:

    • How external factors such as trends, business strategy and the environment influence the development of dishes and menus

    • Advanced food preparation and cooking to produce complex dishes and menu items that meet business and customer requirements

    • The importance of maintaining food safety practices and procedures to ensure safe preparation and cooking of food.
  • Skills

    You will have the ability to:

    • Work as part of a team to provide a unique dining experience

    • Organise, multitask and manage time well

    • Be creative, with a willingness to learn and self-develop.
  • Behaviours

    What is required?

    • Solve problems while working in a challenging, time-critical environment and remain calm under pressure

    • Maintain high standards and promote a customer-centric culture

    • Support colleagues, customers and the business.
  • General info

    You will be expected to wear clean, pressed chefs uniform (including safety shoes) when you are working in any college kitchen.

    When working in the restaurant you will need plain black trousers and a polo shirt.

    A list of equipment will be sent out to you in July / August and when your place on the course has been confirmed. Financial support for the cost of the uniform may be available through the college bursary fund.

  • Progression and Career Opportunities

    After successful completion of this course, you could progress to the Level 2 Professional Chef Diploma programmes or continue training in the workplace through an Apprenticeship programme.

    The Culinary Skills qualifications can help you find a job as a:

    • Catering assistant
    • Chef
  • Entry Requirements for new students

    Four GCSEs at Grade 2 or above or completion of Foundation studies including GCSE English and maths at grade 2.

  • Admissions Process

    We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
    Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.