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Full Time
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One Year
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Boston
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September 2025
Food Preparation and Cooking Certificate NVQ Level 1
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The Level 1 Food Preparation and Cooking Certificate NVQ provides a basic level of craft skills and knowledge required by the catering and hospitality industry. It covers the storage, preparation, cooking and presentation of fish, meat, vegetables and baking
At Boston College, we offer up to a full three-year study programme for learners giving a clear pathway to employment within the industry. Key competences including knife skills, commercial food preparation and cooking, table service and beverage knowledge are core catering skills introduced in the first year with formal recognised industry qualifications on completion. Subsequent academic years then build upon these essential competencies, industry qualifications gained each academic year, leading to a level three qualification in a specialist catering subject such as professional cookery, patisserie and confectionery or front of house supervision.
What will I do?
The Food Preparation and Cooking Certificate NVQ is divided into units which include subject areas such as fish, meat, vegetables etc.
Compulsory units are:
- Maintain a safe hygienic and secure working environment
- Work effectively as part of the hospitality team
- Maintain food safety when storing, preparing and cooking food
Optional units are:
- Prepare vegetables
- Cook vegetables
- Prepare and cook fish
- Prepare and cook meat and poultry
- Prepare and finish simple salad and fruit dishes
- Prepare and cook pasta
- Prepare and cook rice
- Prepare and cook eggs
- Prepare and cook pulses
- Prepare and cook vegetable protein
- Cook and finish simple bread and dough products
This course is designed for practical people as most of it is taught in the Colleges’ kitchen, the bakery and will involve you working alongside the lecturers in the production of the days’ menu.
You will be required to take a VRQ in Serving Food and Drink. The purpose of this is to give you a clear perception of how food production is affected by food service and leads to a better understanding of food presentation and customer reaction.
You will also have the opportunity to develop your skills by working on the College speciality evenings or taking part in a work placement at one of our high quality contacts. Both of these are voluntary and fully negotiable but they will help with your portfolio.
If you have a Grade 2 or below in English or maths, you can study towards either a PASS in Functional Skills Level 2 or a GCSE grade 4-9. Once you have achieved either qualification, you will not be required to undertake any further English or maths.
Full time 16-19 learner with a Grade 3, must study towards a GCSE grade 4-9.
Entry Qualifications
Entry requirements are two GCSEs at grades 2 or above (Old GCSE grade E or above) or equivalent (to include English or maths), or any one of the following, an Entry 3 qualification, a Certificate in Skills for Working Life or Life Skills, an ESOL Entry L3 qualification.
Attendance
The Food Preparation and Cooking Certificate NVQ will take you one year to complete. You will attend College for four days a week, plus independent study.
Fees
The Food Preparation and Cooking Certificate NVQ is free, if you are under the age of 19 on 31 August of the year you start the course.
If you are aged 19+, this course will cost £1500.
Fee remission may apply depending on personal circumstances, please enquire with the Registry Department for further information on 01205 365701 or email your query to fees@boston.ac.uk.
Please note that all fees are subject to change.
How Will I Be Assessed
Assessment on this course is continual and is supported by regular progress briefings, you will also be assessed by questions both orally and written. These assessments will help you to complete the portfolio, which you will need to gain the qualification.
The practical content is supported by theory sessions both formal and informal as well as individual and group work.
You will receive individual tuition as you require it and you will be encouraged to develop a professional working procedure.
Where Could It Lead?
Successful completion of the Level 1 Food Preparation and Cooking Certificate NVQ will enable students to seek employment as a commis chef in any of the wide variety of catering establishments world-wide with the prospect of promotion or the opportunity to progress on to the NVQ Levels 2 and 3 advanced courses.
Our students have a good reputation and many are now employed in nationally renowned restaurants working for chefs such as Raymond Blanc and Gordon Ramsey, and our most famous alumni is Jason Atherton.
Additional costs
Additional costs include kit, educational visits, uniform fees, course-specific materials, which you will be required to purchase before the start of your course.
Costs to be advised at your Taster Day/Enrolment.
How to Apply.
To apply for a course, you will need to have an account with us!
Creating an account is easy, just click ‘Apply for this course’ below.
Find out about the amazing opportunities available at Boston College at one of our Open Events.
What you could earn
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£37,855
potential
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£25,948
average
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£11,453
entry level
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