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?
This course is perfect if you’re passionate about food and want a taste of what it’s like to work in a kitchen.
Designed for beginners, you’ll build your confidence and learn essential practical skills, including safe food preparation and a range of cooking techniques.
You’ll also develop your understanding of ingredients, sustainable food practices and how to plan a menu.
Food and drink is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
From cafes and catering to food production and street food, the region offers a wide range of career opportunities beyond traditional restaurant settings.
It also has a reputation for exceptional local produce, such as Aberdeen Angus beef and North Sea seafood, giving you the chance to work with high quality ingredients.
By the end of this course, you’ll feel prepared for your next steps in this exciting industry – whether you plan to continue your learning or move into employment or an apprenticeship in the culinary sector.
What you will experience
For 18 weeks, you’ll spend three days a week at Fraserburgh Campus. You’ll usually spend one day a week in the classroom or doing prep work, followed by two days training in our Bistro restaurant and kitchen.
During the course, you will:
- Learn essential cooking techniques and food preparation skills
- Start with cooking dishes such as soup, sandwiches and desserts before moving on to full three-course menus
- Understand health and safety in the kitchen, including safe food handling
- Design and cook menus inspired by local produce
- Learn about sustainable food practices and nutrition
- Gain customer service and hospitality skills in the Bistro – serving meals, setting tables and working the till
- Develop industry-relevant skills such as communication, planning, teamwork and problem-solving
- Explore Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s unique food culture and creative food trends.
The course may also include industry visits to local eateries and professional chef demonstrations.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
What you will need
- You will receive a list of required materials and uniform before the start of your course.
- A laptop or similar device will also be required.
What you will get
NCFE 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 this winter.
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 catering roles in settings such as schools, hospitals, cafes, commercial kitchens and food manufacturing facilities.
- Bakery Assistant
- Catering Assistant
- Café Assistant
- Food Production Operative
- Kitchen Assistant
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
Duration18 weeks
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.
Similar courses for you
Here are some courses you may also be interested in.
