Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Professional Cookery 2026-27

You will cover a mixture of theory and practical activities This introductory course is designed to provide a foundation in cooking skills, knife skills, food preparation and cooking skills and to develop an awareness of the needs of the catering industry.

Topics covered in the course are food safety, healthier foods and special diets, kitchen equipment, personal work place skills, all catering cooking methods, Maths & English.

Possible job opportunities: Kitchen Porter (approx. salary 14.5k pa),
Commis Chef (approx. salary 17k pa) or
Waiter (approx. salary 17k pa).

You could progress to level 2 and-or gain employment with an apprentice scheme in your chosen area of interest i.e. kitchen or restaurant.

Applicants must have a satisfactory school profile (16-18 year olds) and an interest in working in the catering industry. All applicants will be interviewed and assessed to ensure they access the most suitable level of course for them. Learners under 19 years of age will need to complete functional skills or GCSE depending on qualifications already achieved. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal. Where relevant, the term ‘entry requirements’ also includes DBS checks, references, fitness to practice, etc.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. Following changes in the assessment and grading of GCSE’s as a result of Covid-19, all new full-time students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when learners are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled onto the right course for them to achieve success.

You will be assessed/ observed throughout the course on both practical and theory based exams.

September 2026

1 Year - Full Time. This full time study programme courses may also be available to study on a part-time basis if you are aged 18 or over on 31st August. Please check with Student Services for more details.