General Cookery – Level 1

Start Date: 1st September 2025

Carlisle College Hospitality And Catering 2

Length 35 weeks
Study Full-Time
Location Carlisle College

Qualification Gained

Level 1 VTCT Certificate in General Cookery

Levels Explained

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More about the course

The Level 1 Certificate in General Cookery is a preparation for work qualification that has been designed to prepare you for a career in the hospitality industry.

This qualification will develop your knowledge and understanding of customer service in the hospitality industry and food safety in catering. Furthermore, you will learn about basic food preparation and cooking and how to use kitchen equipment.

You will also learn the different food groups and their contribution to a healthy, balanced diet.

Entry requirements

GCSEs at grade 2/1 (E-F) including English and maths
An interest in food and food service

Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course you will achieve a Level 1 VTCT Certificate in General Cookery.

What will I learn?

Food safety in canteens
Introduction to food commodities
Basic food preparation and cooking
Customer service in the hospitality industry
Introduction to the hospitality industry
Using kitchen equipment
Introduction to healthy eating

How is the course taught?

This is a practical based course. You will gain work experience through working in the bistro and training kitchens.

How am I assessed?

Synoptic assessments
Practical assessments
Written assignments

Work experience opportunities

Learners will be expected to complete work experience in the sector.

English and Maths

If you do not hold English and/or maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, you will be supported with dedicated lessons to help you achieve English and maths qualifications.

Professional cooks and chefs need to read recipes and rely on maths skills to weigh ingredients, calculate ratios and multiply recipes.

Where can I progress?

Upon successful completion of this course, you may progress onto Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Culinary Skills. Alternatively, learners may choose to seek employment in the Hospitality sector or enrol onto an apprenticeship.

Course Costs

If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section.

Call us: 01228 822 700

Email us: info@carlisle.ac.uk

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Scott Price

Hospitality & Catering Tutor

I started my career at Carlisle College, where I studied Catering and Hospitality; over the years I've had some amazing career opportunities and experiences from being executive chef for Gordon Ramsay, to launching my own restaurants and concepts company in Dubai and also working with high-end brands such as Marks & Spencer. I'm a firm believer that if you work hard and believe in yourself, anything is possible. The Hospitality business has so much to offer and can take you wherever you wish to go.

23 April 2024

Budding Chefs Night

Our Hospitality and Catering students have hosted a series of Budding Chefs Night, open to the public.

29 February 2024

NCG Skills Competition

The fourth annual NCG Skills competition was held at Lewisham College. The day brought together students from across five of NCG’s colleges, putting their skills and knowledge to the test through a series of practical tasks in real work environments, in front of a panel of expert judges.