Courses

Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Food Production and Cooking)

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  • Course Type
    Adult Courses
  • Course Code
    HC204
  • Campus
    Hamilton
  • Start Date
    7th Sep
  • Level
    Level 2
  • Duration
    11 weeks

Many adults can study this course for free. Check the 'Can I study for free?' section below to see if you're eligible.

This practical, industry-focused course is designed for adults looking to begin or advance a career in professional food production. Whether you're aiming to work in a commercial kitchen, develop new culinary skills, or gain a recognised qualification to support career progression, this programme provides a solid foundation in modern catering practice.

  • Course Details

    You'll explore essential kitchen operations, food preparation techniques, and safe working methods while developing confidence in producing a wide range of dishes. The course blends hands-on training with underpinning knowledge, helping you understand ingredients, cooking methods, menu planning, and the standards expected in today's hospitality sector.

    Key areas of study include:

    • Professional kitchen skills and food preparation
    • Cooking methods and dish presentation
    • Food safety, hygiene, and workplace health and safety
    • Teamwork and communication in a catering environment
    • Understanding menus, ingredients, and customer expectations

  • Can I study for free?

    You may be able to study for free if this course will help improve your employment prospects. You could be eligible if you are:

    • Employed and earning below:
      • £37,144.00 (if you live in the Liverpool City Region; Wirral, Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens or Halton)
      • £26,800 (if you live outside the Liverpool City Region)
    • Employed and receiving certain state benefits
    • Unemployed (with or without benefits)
    • Asylum seekers can access free courses up to Level 2 if the course supports long-term employment.

    Terms and Conditions apply.

  • Entry Guidelines

    You must be 19 or over on or before 31st August to study on this course.

    You do not need formal qualifications for this course but will be considered on your individual skills and experience.

    You must be able to follow instructions, be willing to work independently, produce answers in a clear and understandable form and organise information clearly.

    If English is not your first language, you may need an assessment before enrolling on this course. To discuss further, please contact the ESOL department on 0151 551 7144.

  • Where can I progress to?

    Ideal for those seeking entry-level roles in catering or wishing to formalise existing experience, this qualification supports progression into employment or further study in hospitality. It's a welcoming, supportive course designed to help adult learners build practical skills and confidence in a real working kitchen.

  • Timetable
    Thursday, 2-9pm at Hamilton Campus

  • Equipment Required

    All equipment supplied by the college.

  • Assessment Methods

    Combination of multiple-choice exams, a portfolio of evidence (workbooks) and practical observations in a kitchen setting.

If you're not eligible to study for free, the cost of this course is:

£840.00

Hi, I’m Ailz. What I love most about education is the opportunity to make a genuine difference to people’s lives, help them recognise their own potential, and open doors to new careers and pathways. I began my career teaching English in Further Education, before becoming a mentor for trainee teachers through their placement years. I really enjoyed mentoring and coaching trainees, helping them develop their practice and discover their own strengths as teachers. This led me into teacher education, where I now work as a Programme Lead, supporting the next generation of teachers in the Further Education and Skills sector.

I care deeply about social mobility, the importance of positive relationships, and helping students feel confident and engaged in their learning. I’m a nurturing and approachable teacher educator, and I’m committed to ensuring that every trainee I work with feels encouraged, valued, and supported as they develop their practice.

I’m Sasha. What I enjoy most about working in education is helping people build confidence and realise their full potential. I spent 13 years working as a teaching assistant and Learning Support Assistant before moving into teaching Health and Social Care and Access courses with learners aged 16 and over. These experiences shaped my belief in the importance of positive relationships and adapting teaching to meet individual needs.

Mentoring trainee teachers and coaching colleagues sparked my interest in teacher education, which I moved into in 2024. I enjoy helping trainees connect theory with classroom practice, try out new approaches and find their own confidence as teachers. I aim to create a supportive space where they can ask questions, reflect honestly and feel comfortable seeking advice.

I have a degree in Psychology, a master’s in Mental Health, a PGCE, the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development and a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring in Education. These studies continue to inform my interests in inclusive teaching, wellbeing, and supporting others to develop their practice.