Free Level 2 Culinary Skills course in Bishop Auckland. Classes run at Bishop Auckland College, full-time during the day, over one year. You'll study three days a week, covering cooking techniques, food and beverage service, and the maths and English skills the catering industry expects. You'll train in professional kitchens and gain real service experience in the college restaurant. Entry requires a minimum of four GCSEs at grades 2 to 3 (E to D), including Maths and English, or a Level 1 qualification in a relevant subject.
Who this course is for
Bishop Auckland College has one of the largest catering departments in the North East. Training students to work to industry standards and applying their skills in our newly launched state of the art kitchens and Ambition restaurant.
Entry requirements
Minimum 4 GCSE's at grades 3 - 2 (D - E) or equivalent, including a D in Maths and English, or a Level 1 qualification in a relevant subject area.
What you will learn
You'll develop cooking techniques and food preparation skills to industry standards.
You'll learn food and beverage service, including taking orders and working front of house.
You'll practise costing and ordering ingredients accurately.
You'll use professional kitchen equipment safely and correctly.
You'll apply maths and English skills in a catering context.
You'll gain experience working in a live restaurant environment.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a mix of practical kitchen sessions and classroom-based knowledge work. Training takes place in professional kitchens and a working college restaurant, where you'll apply skills under realistic service conditions. Assessment covers both practical performance and underpinning knowledge across cooking, food and beverage service, and related maths and English.
What you will need to bring
You'll need to purchase a uniform for both the kitchen and restaurant before the course starts. Course textbooks are available at discounted rates from Bishop Auckland College, and assistance with costs may be available. The college will confirm the full details before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Chef: entry-level kitchen roles in restaurants, hotels, and catering
Kitchen assistant: supporting chefs in professional kitchens
Commis chef: starting point on the chef career ladder
Catering assistant: food preparation and service in various settings
Restaurant team member: front of house and food service roles
Hospitality worker: hotels, events, and contract catering
What you could study next
Level 3 Catering and Hospitality Diploma: the natural next step after this course, deepening your skills and preparing you for supervisory or specialist chef roles.
Level 3 Professional Cookery NVQ: a work-based route that builds on Level 2 culinary skills and is recognised by employers across the industry.
Apprenticeship in Hospitality and Catering: combine work and study at a higher level once you have your Level 2 culinary skills qualification.
