This course follows on from other cookery courses we offer. 

To join this course, you should have completed a year of cookery training, or already be working in the industry (with basic industry experience) and want to get a qualification to pursue a career as a chef.

You will learn many of the techniques used in professional cookery, including boiling, poaching and steaming, stewing and braising, baking, roasting and grilling, deep and shallow frying, and cold food preparation.

You will also learn about the structure of professional kitchens and the principles of working as a professional chef, for example, how knives, tools and equipment are used in professional kitchens and how to work safely and hygienically.

This course follows on from other cookery courses we offer. 

To join this course, you will need to have completed the Level 2 Technical Certificate in Food Preparation and Service or an equivalent course.

You will also be granted access to this course if you hold relevant industry experience, which you can discuss at interview with the course tutor.

You will gain work specific skills and knowledge in professional cookery through practical learning in our fully equipped training kitchens and there will be some classroom learning.

You will have opportunities to use and develop your skills in real work situations, cooking for real customers in our commercial restaurant, catering for college and external events, and through a work experience placement.

You will also take part in other activities to enrich and extend your learning to help you develop important personal and employability skills. For example, understanding team work and safe working practices, problem-solving techniques and communication skills.

When you complete this course, you could progress to the Level 3 Professional Cookery course to further develop your skills, expertise and career prospects. If you prefer to go directly into employment, you are most likely to begin your career as a commis chef.

This is the most common starting career in professional cookery and you will be responsible for a variety of preparation and cooking tasks under the supervision of a more senior chef. Commis chef positions are generally available in a range of establishments, including restaurants, bistros, pubs, hotels and contract catering companies.

You will be required to purchase a kitchen and front of house uniform as well as a kitchen knife set, which costs approximately £210.

If you are on a limited income, you may be eligible to receive help with these costs from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.