Applications for 2025 are open and in high demand

Apply Now
Home » Courses » VTCT Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Professional Cookery

VTCT Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Professional Cookery

If you are looking to begin your journey in the Hospitality industry, the Level 1 Introductory Diploma to Professional Cookery will cover all the basic skills and techniques required in food preparation, production, cooking and food and beverage service.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

The course is structured to support and develop confidence and skills in a professional kitchen. Students will complete their studies in our industry-standard kitchen environment. Students who enjoy cookery, creating their own dishes and have a desire to learn more about becoming a professional chef will be stretched and challenged, gaining valuable insights into the qualities needed to work in the busy but rewarding Hospitality industry. To support a strong starting point in the hospitality industry, students will study a Level 2 Diploma in Food Safety and a Level 2 Barista qualification alongside this course.

Apply for this course

Start date: 08/09/2025

Course code
V1PCOOK25T
Level
Level 1
Location
Truro College
Duration
1 year
Qualification
Other

TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

Industry-standard facilities

Highly experienced specialist lecturers

315-hours of work experience

Gain three qualifications

Hospitality & Professional Cookery 333

Links with top employers

Previous students have gained employment opportunities in a wide variety of roles with companies such as the Paul Ainsworth Collection, Rick Stein Group and St Austell Brewery.

Hospitality & Professional Cookery 312

Develop Work-related skills

Students develop personal and work-related skills throughout the course and an industry work placement that will help prepare them to start a quality career in the sector.

Hospitality & Professional Cookery 316

Professional training environments

The College’s 50-cover Spires Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Bar and Spires Express outlets will provide practical experience to meet all requirements of the course, in a real working environment.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

The course will introduce students to the basic principles of cookery used in professional kitchens including; meat, fish and vegetable preparation, roasting, baking, poaching, steaming, frying, stewing and braising, areas of pastry and bakery work, and essential knife skills. Theory classes will underpin the practical preparation of food and support students to learn how chefs make basic ingredients more palatable and appealing.

Students will work in the College’s Spires training restaurant as part of a team, preparing, cooking and presenting fine dining food to paying customers during lunchtime service, gaining valuable, real working environment skills.

Students will also undertake a one-day-a-week (7 hours) mandatory work placement with a Hospitality and Catering employer during the course to the total of 315-hours.

WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?

Upon successful completion of this course students will be well placed to progress to the Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship, the Level 2 Professional Cookery Diploma or gain employment within the Hospitality industry. Progression opportunities continue with the Level 3 Chef de Partie Apprenticeship or Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Professional Cookery.

Past students have gained employment opportunities with companies such as the Paul Ainsworth Collection, Rick Stein Group and St Austell Brewery.

Assessment Arrangements

Practical assessments will take place throughout the course along with a final practical exam to test skills. Written assignments and short answer question work is ongoing throughout the year to test understanding and knowledge within the units of study.

Entry Requirements

At least two GCSEs at grade 3 or above, ideally including English and Maths or appropriate level 1 Functional Skills qualifications.

Students must be willing to study for additional qualifications in English and/or Maths if the above is not achieved at GCSE.

Applicants will be invited to attend an interview and will have all of their literacy and numeracy needs supported throughout the programme.

Information & Support

The Student Services team can arrange one-to-one meetings with students and offer advice and guidance on financial, personal and emotional issues. A professional team of staff work together with tutors to support students to successfully complete their course and understand progression pathways after College.

All students will need the the following equipment:

  • Chef and restaurant uniforms
  • Chef knives and small equipment including knife box
  • Safety footwear

The above will be the student’s personal property and will cost approximately £300.00. Knives will be locked away safely after each kitchen session for the duration of the course.

Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.

What you could earn

  • Chefs
  • Kitchen and Catering Assistants
  • Waiters and Waitresses
  • Restaurant and Catering Establishment Managers and Proprietors
  • Catering and Bar Managers
  • Cooks
  • Customer Service Occupations
  • Hotel and Accommodation Managers and Proprietors
Potential Salary

£31,841

Entry Level Salary

£9,519

Average Salary

£21,826

Annual openings in Cornwall

168

Potential Salary

£22,500

Entry Level Salary

£2,500

Average Salary

£9,719

Annual openings in Cornwall

278

Potential Salary

£22,169

Entry Level Salary

£2,638

Average Salary

£10,030

Annual openings in Cornwall

238

Potential Salary

£44,987

Entry Level Salary

£11,157

Average Salary

£26,667

Annual openings in Cornwall

120

Potential Salary

£34,619

Entry Level Salary

£10,474

Average Salary

£23,731

Annual openings in Cornwall

55

Potential Salary

£28,785

Entry Level Salary

£6,662

Average Salary

£14,293

Annual openings in Cornwall

34

Potential Salary

£33,581

Entry Level Salary

£7,791

Average Salary

£20,703

Annual openings in Cornwall

82

Potential Salary

£48,317

Entry Level Salary

£14,517

Average Salary

£27,921

Annual openings in Cornwall

57

Truro College

Tel: 01872 305000
Email: enquiry@truro-penwith.ac.uk

Truro College,
College Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3XX
Find on Maps

Penwith College

Tel: 01736 809000
Email: penwithenquiries@truro-penwith.ac.uk

Penwith College,
St Clare Street, Penzance,
Cornwall, TR18 2SA
Find on Maps

STEM & Health Skills Centre

Tel: 01208 224455
Email: enquiry@truro-penwith.ac.uk

STEM & Health Skills Centre,
Ottery Building, Old Callywith Road, Bodmin, PL31 2GU
Find on Maps

University Centre

Tel: 01872 305750
Email: heenquiry@truro-penwith.ac.uk

University Centre Truro & Penwith,
Fal Building, College Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3XX
Find on Maps

Future Skills Institute

Tel: 01872 308000
Email: futureskills@truro-penwith.ac.uk

Truro & Penwith College,
College Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3XX
Find on Maps

  • Reset
  • Result Type