Overview
- Minimum Age: Pre-16, Post-16
Basic Food Prep & Sweet Treats
Where Great Careers Begin in the Kitchen
There is real magic in preparing food that someone else enjoys. Whether it’s a perfectly prepared meal, a beautifully decorated cake, or a batch of handmade sweet treats, catering is a craft that combines technical skill, creativity, and the simple joy of making people happy.
At Elevate Training, our Catering course gives students a hands-on, practical introduction to the world of food preparation. We focus on building solid foundational skills in a safe, hygienic kitchen environment from learning how to handle and prepare ingredients correctly, to discovering the creative possibilities of baking and confectionery.
This course is perfect for students who love food, enjoy making things, and want to explore a career in one of the UK’s busiest and most varied industries.
What’s Covered
Kitchen Safety & Food Hygiene Every great chef starts with the basics and the basics are safety and hygiene. Students learn how to work safely in a kitchen environment, understand food hygiene principles, handle allergens responsibly, and maintain the cleanliness and organisation that professional kitchens depend on.
Topics include:
- Personal hygiene and presentation in the kitchen
- Food storage and temperature control
- Cross-contamination prevention
- Allergen awareness and labelling
- Cleaning procedures and kitchen organisation
- Introduction to food safety legislation
Basic Food Preparation Students develop a range of fundamental cooking skills, building the confidence and competence to prepare a variety of dishes from scratch. They learn to use kitchen tools and equipment correctly, follow recipes accurately, and understand how different cooking methods affect food.
Topics include:
- Knife skills — safe handling, chopping, dicing, and slicing
- Preparation of vegetables, proteins, and salads
- Basic cooking methods — boiling, frying, roasting, and baking
- Weighing and measuring ingredients accurately
- Presentation and plating techniques
- Working efficiently and to a set timescale
Sweet Treats & Baking This is where students really get to express their creativity. From classic biscuits and traybakes to decorated cupcakes, celebration cakes, and handmade confectionery, students discover the art and science of baking and the pride that comes from producing something beautiful and delicious.
Topics include:
- Introduction to baking — understanding ingredients and their functions
- Making and shaping doughs and batters
- Cake and biscuit baking techniques
- Basic cake decoration — icing, piping, and finishing
- Confectionery — truffles, fudge, and handmade sweets
- Packaging and presenting food products professionally
- Introduction to allergen-friendly and dietary adaptations
Course Details
- Level: Entry Level to Level 1 (Pre-16) | Level 1 to Level 2 (Post-16)
- Age Group: Pre-16 (11–16) and Post-16 (16–24)
- Locations: Bury & Warrington
- Group Size: Flexible 1-to-1 support up to groups of 30
- No formal entry requirements
What Students Gain
Skills developed:
- Practical food preparation and cooking skills
- Baking and confectionery techniques
- Food hygiene and safety knowledge
- Creative presentation and finishing
- Time management and working to a recipe
- Confidence and independence in the kitchen
Career pathways:
- Kitchen Assistant / Commis Chef
- Bakery Assistant
- Café or Coffee Shop Staff
- Confectionery / Sweet Maker
- School Catering Assistant
- Cake Decorator
- Catering Apprenticeship
- Self-employment: home baking, market stalls, and small food businesses
How to Apply
Tel: 01204 66 88 11 | Email: hr@elevatetrainingcentre.co.uk