Initial Certificate in Catering and Food Service: Level 1 City & Guilds – Full Time

Course Overview

This course is a ‘first step’, which teaches a range of skills in preparation for working in the hospitality industry. It is appropriate for those who have little or no experience of the industry who may subsequently be intending to progress onto the City & Guilds ‘Level One Introduction to Professional Cookery’.

Entry Requirements

3 GCSEs to include Maths Grade 2 and English Grade 3 or Functional Skills Level 1 in both Maths and English.

What the course covers

This NVQ study programme is composed. of two courses which run in parallel:

7131-02 L1 Food and Beverage Service
7131-03 L1 Food Preparation and Cooking

Designed for students seeking to gain a range of fundamental practical skills and knowledge relating to working in food preparation, food service and customer care. Students learn about many aspects of the hospitality industry and gain valuable practical and teamwork skills. This course meets the needs of those with little previous knowledge or experience of the industry but that are keen to get their career started. As a ‘first step’ course, it is appropriate for those subsequently intending to progress onto the City & Guilds ‘Level One Introduction to Professional Cookery’. Students work in our professional standard kitchens and training restaurant, with industry experts.

This NVQ will be assessed in a simulated workplace. For each unit your assessor watches and asks questions as you perform a task or looks at a portfolio of work that you’ve built as formal evidence of your learning.

Units covered include:

• Maintain a safe, hygienic and secure working environment.
• Working effectively as a part of a Hospitality Team.
• Maintain Food Safety when storing, preparing and cooking food.
• Maintain customer care.
• Provide a counter and takeaway service.
• Provide a table or tray service.
• Simple cold food preparation and service including simple salads and fruit dishes.
• Prepare hot and cold sandwiches.
• Simple bread and dough products.
• Prepare and cook pasta.

Fees and funding

Please note:

• Students aged 16 to 18, or those aged 16 to 24 who have a valid EHCP, and are studying Further Education courses are not charged for course fees
• For more information about financial support, please click here.

Fees for 2026/27

£477 (plus registration fee to be advised at enrolment)

Please note: Fees are for 2026/27 entry and apply to students eligible for home fee status. The fees quoted are subject to personal circumstances and will be confirmed at the time of your enrolment, depending on eligibility criteria. For more information about financial support for students, please click here or email studentfinance@nescot.ac.uk