Entry requirements
- No formal entry requirements
- This qualification is suitable for those under the age of 16 as well as adult learners.
Why take this course?
The food and drink sector is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the North of Scotland, offering exciting opportunities far beyond formal restaurant settings. Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are home to over 22,000 jobs across cafés, catering, food production and seafood, supported by Europe’s largest white-fish port at Peterhead and world-leading seafood processing. The region also boasts a thriving street-food scene, a growing café culture, a booming artisan food movement, and an exceptional reputation for quality local produce—from Aberdeen Angus beef to North Sea seafood. If you’re passionate about food and want a practical start in a creative, dynamic industry with real opportunities, our Food and Cookery Skills course is the perfect place to begin.
What you will experience
- Hands-On Training
Learn essential cookery and preparation skills used in cafés, bistros, street-food kitchens and food-production environments. Develop confidence with techniques that employers are looking for.
- Industry-relevant skills
Build communication, planning, teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Gain experience of sustainable food practices, menu ideas inspired by local produce, and safe food-handling techniques.
- Real-World Insights
Be inspired by local chefs, street-food traders, café owners and food-industry specialists. Explore Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s unique food culture—where world-class ingredients meet modern, creative food trends.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
What you will need
- A list of materials/ uniform required will be sent to you before the start of the course.
- A laptop or similar device will also be required.
What you will get
Level 1 Certificate in Food and Cookery Skills
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place on Saturday 14 March from 10am – 2pm.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
College transport to Fraserburgh
You may be eligible for College transport to Fraserburgh Campus from a number of locations. Please contact collegetransport@nescol.ac.uk for more information.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to the following courses at North East Scotland College:
Employment
This course opens the door to a wide range of roles across the food industry, including Café or Bakery Assistant, Street-Food or Catering Assistant, Food Production Operative and Kitchen Assistant.
- Catering Assistant
- Kitchen Assistant
- Food Production Operative
Student Stories
Stuart Ferguson
Professional Cookery & Hospitality
Advanced Professional Cookery
“It’s amazing to think that my first full-time position out of College is at a Michelin-starred restaurant. I’d recommend the professional cookery courses at NESCol to anyone keen to get into the industry. “
Read more about Stuart's story
Mercy Brown
Professional Cookery & Hospitality
HND Events Management
“I’m so proud to have achieved my HND and come so far on my journey to achieving my degree. There is no age limit to education and achieving your dreams. If anyone else is thinking about returning to education, I would tell them to go for it!”
Read more about Mercy's story
Sara Giudici
Professional Cookery & Hospitality
Professional Cookery & Advanced Professional Cookery
“I would definitely recommend studying professional cookery at NESCol to anyone interested in hospitality or catering. I may soon be looking for a part-time employee who is in their final year of studying at college so we could end up working together!”
Read more about Sara's story
June Jaffrey
Professional Cookery & Hospitality
HND Events Management
“Coming back to College has given me a great sense of achievement, I feel like I’ve been using my brain again! I met a lovely bunch of people there and got on well with everyone, including the younger students in the class.”
Read more about June's story
Lucy Gordon
Professional Cookery & Hospitality
“The lecturers are what makes the course so special. They have an abundance of industry experience allowing them to share skills and knowledge while always making lessons enjoyable. I am gutted that my time at the College has come to an end, however I am delighted to have secured my dream job at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie in Gleneagles.”
Read more about Lucy's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
Apply now
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once submitted, this will be processed by our Admissions team.
Fraserburgh Campus
StartsAug 2026
Course CodeC00170
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application and send it to us.
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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