The Introduction to Culinary Skills – Level 1 course is designed for beginners who want to take their first steps into the world of professional cookery. Starting in February, this day programme provides a practical, hands-on introduction to essential kitchen skills in a supportive and engaging learning environment.

You will learn the fundamentals of working safely and confidently in a kitchen, including basic food preparation, cooking methods, knife skills, and hygiene practices. Alongside practical sessions, the course also helps you build teamwork, communication, and time-management skills that are vital in the hospitality industry.

Study Mode Full Time
Suitable for Adult Full and Part Time
Duration 34 weeks

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Sector Overview

The hospitality and catering sector in the UK is a large and important industry, offering a wide range of employment opportunities across restaurants, cafés, hotels, pubs, contract catering, and food service businesses. It is a fast-paced sector that values practical skills, teamwork, reliability, and a positive attitude. The industry offers clear progression routes, with opportunities to move into specialist roles, supervisory positions, or further professional training. With strong demand for skilled workers across the UK, the sector provides both local and national career opportunities.
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for this course are:
- Interview and assessment
What will I study?
On the Introduction to Culinary Skills – Level 1 course, you will study a range of practical and theory-based topics that introduce you to working in a professional kitchen. These include:
- Food safety and hygiene – understanding safe working practices and basic health and safety in the kitchen
- Kitchen equipment and tools – identifying and using equipment safely and correctly
- Basic knife skills – learning how to prepare ingredients safely and efficiently
- Food preparation techniques – such as peeling, chopping, weighing, and measuring
- Cooking methods – including boiling, steaming, baking, grilling, and frying
- Basic recipes and dishes – preparing simple starters, mains, and desserts
- Kitchen organisation – working cleanly, managing time, and following instructions
- Teamwork and communication – working effectively with others in a kitchen environment
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed via:
- Observation within a real working environment
- Knowledge tests and written answers
Enrichment

You will actively participate in themed seasonal events, charity fund raisers and attend motivating guest lectures to inspire your future aspirations.
There are reward schemes for high performing attendance and those that go above and beyond to support colleagues within our busy catering environment.
Our Student Common Room is a great place to unwind and relax during your breaks. It features pool tables, table tennis, a gaming corner and lots of comfy sofas so you can refresh before your next lesson.
Themed events are held in the Common Room so you can get the best experience of being a Waltham Forest College student.
Work Experience

You will have the chance to take part in work experience opportunities during your course.
Progression Opportunities

This course will lead to progression on to the next level
Alumni

Waltham Forest College is a vibrant and aspirational college and will support you to reach your career aspirations. Last year 96% of learners progressed onto a positive destination either to higher levels of study, employment, or an Apprenticeship.