Professional Cookery – VRQ1 Diploma

This course will allow you to develop your passion and skills for cookery, whilst developing your ability to work under pressure and as part of a team in the hospitality industry. Assessment is by a combination of assignments and practical examinations.

Course Information

  • Course Type School Leaver
  • Subject Area Hospitality and Catering
  • Qualification VRQ1 Diploma
  • Study Mode: Full Time Only
  • Course Level Level 1
  • Course Length 1 year
Overview

This course teaches you a variety of catering craft skills to a high standard. It develops your ability to work under pressure and as part of a team in the hospitality industry. Practical work features strongly, supported by cookery theory, hospitality based assignments and question papers. You will work towards a VRQ1 Certificate in Food and Beverage Service and a Diploma in Professional Cookery within realistic working environment of the @thirty-four restaurant and kitchens.

This course is ideal if you would like to be introduced to professional cookery, food service and customer care skills and help develop your work and organisational practices within the catering industry.

The programme includes practical food preparation and cooking, food and beverage service lessons, luncheon production sessions, supported by theoretical assignments and practical examinations. All assessments are graded (pass, merit, distinction).

What topics will study? 

  • Introduction to the catering and hospitality industry
  • Food safety in catering
  • Health and safety awareness for catering and hospitality
  • Introduction to healthier foods and special diets
  • Introduction to kitchen equipment
  • Introduction to personal workplace skills
  • Prepare and cook food by boiling, poaching and steaming
  • Prepare and cook food by stewing and braising
  • Prepare and cook food by baking, roasting and grilling
  • Prepare and cook food by deep frying and shallow frying
  • Regeneration of pre-prepared foods
  • Cold food preparation
  • Legislation in food and beverage service
  • Understanding menus
  • Introduction to personal workplace skills
  • Dealing with payments and bookings
  • Food and beverage service skills
  • Bar skills
  • Hot beverage skills

You will do Functional Skills in IT, Communication, and Application of Number.

You will:

  • Develop a variety of catering craft skills to a high standard
  • Work towards a VRQ1 Certificate in Food and Beverage Service and a Diploma in Professional Cookery
  • Work within the superbly equipped @thirty-four restaurant and kitchens
  • Study different ways to prepare hot and cold food
  • Gain an understanding of health and safety and food safety issues
  • Learn skills in areas such as dealing with customers, bar service and menu planning

What can I study alongside this course?

This course is studied on its own and cannot be combined with other courses.

Next steps: 

You could progress to the Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery to further your career opportunities.

Entry Requirements

Standard entry requirements: Grade 3 in English Language and Maths. If you don’t have a grade 4 in English and Maths, you will be required to study for this alongside your course. Plus, you will need one GCSE at grade 3 or above, or equivalent.

Subject specific entry requirements or recommendations: You must be keen and interested in hospitality and catering and have an aptitude for hospitality skills.

Facilities

The Laurence Building boasts new facilities throughout including an IT suite, modern kitchens and a stunning restaurant within the faculty; as well as being located in comfortable and pleasant surroundings.

Additional Costs

There are additional costs to purchase uniform, knives and equipment costing approximately £350.00. This equipment will last you for your entire programme and will positively help start your career in the catering and hospitality sector.

This further education course is free for all 16-18 year olds who are resident in the UK and the European Economic Area for the last 3 years. (You must be under 19 on 31st August in the calendar year that you start your course). For any fee-related queries or further information, please contact the Advice and Recruitment Team on 01392 400444.

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