Level 1 · Full-Time · 1 year full-time
You don't need experience. You don't need qualifications. You just need to want to learn. This course puts you in a real kitchen from day one, learning the core techniques every professional chef starts with. Boiling, grilling, baking, frying, and more. You'll build your skills with experienced tutors who've worked in the industry and know how to bring the best out of you. By the end of the year, you'll know if this is your thing. And if it is, you'll be ready for Level 2.
Other courses you might be interested in:
Level 2 Level 2 Certificate in Culinary Skills CG
Level 2 Level 2 Diploma Professional Cookery
View all Catering and Hospitality courses →
This is where it all begins. You’ll learn the fundamental techniques that underpin everything in a professional kitchen, and how to prepare and cook using the methods that chefs use every day. You’ll work with real ingredients in a real kitchen, building your confidence and your skills at the same time. Our tutors have years of industry experience, and they’ll teach you how things are actually done, not just the textbook version.
You’ll cover food safety, health and safety, and the core cookery methods: boiling, steaming, baking, frying, and grilling. But it’s not just about following recipes. You’ll start to understand why things work the way they do: how heat changes food, how flavours build, how to organise yourself in a kitchen. You’ll also complete Maths, English, and ICT alongside your practical work, because those skills matter in every kitchen.
Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.
Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.
Kitchen and catering assistants assist in the preparation and service of food and beverages in restaurants, cafés and other eating establishments, and perform various cleaning, fetching and carrying tasks.
Cooks prepare, season and cook food, often using pre-prepared ingredients, in clubs, private households, fast food outlets, shops selling food cooked on the premises and the catering departments and canteens […]
Coffee shop workers make and serve coffee, food and other beverages in coffee shops and cafés, and perform various cleaning, fetching and carrying tasks.
You won't be cooking in a classroom. Our training kitchens are set up like the real thing, with professional equipment, proper workstations, and the Waterfront Restaurant where you'll see what a working kitchen looks like in action.
Professional Training Kitchens
Industry-standard equipment and layout, the same as you'd find in a working kitchen
Waterfront Restaurant
Our AA Rosette-awarded on-site restaurant where you'll see professional service in action
Dedicated Prep Areas
Proper workstations for developing knife skills and food preparation techniques
Student Voice
I gained skills, confidence, and insight into professional kitchens. I enjoyed teamwork in the dessert club, and now I plan to start my own bakery after studying at Doncaster College.
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable — not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
About student supportIf your child has additional learning needs, our support team works with them from day one. Adjustments are put in place early so they can get the most out of their course.
About learning supportYour child's safety is our priority. All staff are DBS-checked, our safeguarding team is available every day, and students always know who to go to if something isn't right.
Our safeguarding commitmentStudents are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.
About student lifeLevel
Level 1
Duration
1 year full-time
Study Mode
Full-Time
Entry
No formal qualifications
Assessment
Coursework + Practical Assessment
Progression Routes
Route A: Level 1 Culinary Skills → Level 2 Culinary Skills CG or Level 2 Professional Cookery → Level 3 specialisms → Employment or HE
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk