Newstart - Bakery & Cooking
Discover the joy of cooking and baking in a welcoming and supportive environment designed to help you build confidence and practical skills at your own pace.
The SCQF Level 4 Newstart -Bakery and Cooking course is the perfect introduction to essential techniques in both bakery and professional cookery, with a strong focus on hands-on learning and personal development.
Whether you're new to the kitchen or looking to grow your skills, this course offers a friendly and encouraging space to explore food preparation, cooking, and baking. It’s ideal for learners who aren’t yet ready for training in our busy refectories or restaurant settings - but who are excited to learn, create, and progress.
Content
- Basic cooking and bakery skills
- Working towards NPA Professional Cookery qualification
- Supportive, inclusive learning environment
- Focus on building confidence and transferable life skills
Mandatory units include:
- Food Preparation Techniques: An Introduction
- Cookery Processes: An Introduction
- Food Hygiene for the Hospitality Industry
Progression
- Further Education: Opportunity to progress to higher-level qualifications such as the City and Guilds Level 1 or Level 2 or NC Bakery.
- Employment: Potential to seek employment in the hospitality and catering industry, such as trainee commis chef or chef apprentice.
Entry requirements
- An interest in cooking and baking, no formal qualifications are required for this full-time course.
- You must complete a successful interview.
More Info
Further advice for full-time applicants:
• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to November 2024, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as; the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk
Alloa Campus
Full-Time
17 August 2026
Level 4