Free Level 2 Culinary Skills Course in Dunstable. Classes run full-time during the day at Bedford College Dunstable Campus. This is a focused, year-long route into professional cookery. You'll develop practical kitchen skills, covering food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen operations. The culinary skills classes build the hands-on knowledge that kitchens expect from new starters. A culinary skills qualification at this level is recognised by employers across hospitality and catering.
Who this course is for
Course Summary can be found on the course page of the website
Entry requirements
Entry requirements can be found on the course page of the website
What you will learn
You'll prepare and cook a range of dishes using professional kitchen techniques.
You'll handle, store, and present food safely and hygienically.
You'll work with meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, sauces, and pastry.
You'll follow kitchen workflows and work as part of a team.
You'll apply food safety and hygiene standards in a kitchen environment.
You'll plan and cost dishes at a basic level.
You'll develop knife skills and equipment handling in a professional setting.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical, hands-on sessions in a professional kitchen environment, supported by classroom-based theory. Assessment includes practical cooking assessments where you demonstrate dishes and techniques, alongside written or online tests covering food safety and underpinning knowledge. You'll build a portfolio of evidence as you progress through the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Bedford College Dunstable Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Chef de partie: section chef in a professional kitchen
Commis chef: entry-level kitchen role in restaurants or hotels
Kitchen assistant: food preparation and kitchen support
Catering assistant: food service in schools, hospitals, or events
Short-order cook: fast-paced café or canteen cooking
Pastry assistant: supporting pastry and baking production
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery: the next step for chefs moving into senior kitchen roles and section leadership.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering: a short compliance qualification many employers ask for alongside a culinary skills certificate.
Level 3 Hospitality Supervision and Leadership: useful if you want to move into kitchen management or front-of-house supervision.
