Free Level 2 Culinary Skills Course in Greenwich. Classes run at London South East Colleges Greenwich, full-time during the day. The course runs for 35 weeks and covers the practical and technical skills you need to work in a professional kitchen. You'll study knife skills, cooking methods, food safety, and kitchen operations. Entry typically requires four GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (English and maths are desirable) or a Level 1 qualification. This is a City and Guilds level 2 culinary skills qualification.
Who this course is for
Further information is available on our website
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at grades 9 - 3/A* - D (English and maths desirable) or a Level 1 qualification.
What you will learn
You'll develop knife skills and food preparation techniques used in professional kitchens.
You'll learn a range of cooking methods including roasting, poaching, grilling, and frying.
You'll prepare soups, sauces, meat, fish, and vegetable dishes to industry standards.
You'll apply food hygiene and safety practices in a kitchen environment.
You'll understand kitchen workflow, portion control, and presentation.
You'll work as part of a kitchen team, following recipes and adapting to service demands.
How you will learn
You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in a professional training kitchen, alongside classroom-based theory. Assessment is through practical tasks, written assignments, and observations of your kitchen work. You'll build a portfolio of evidence as you progress through the course. Your tutor will observe and assess your skills directly during cooking sessions.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. London South East Colleges Greenwich 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 role in hotels, restaurants, and catering
Kitchen assistant: food prep and support in busy kitchens
Catering assistant: food service in schools, hospitals, or events
Short-order cook: fast-paced cooking in cafes and diners
Sous chef: with experience, second-in-command in a kitchen
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery (City and Guilds) - the next step if you want to move into senior kitchen roles or specialise further.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering - a short compliance qualification many employers require.
NVQ Level 3 in Hospitality Supervision - useful if you want to move into kitchen or front-of-house management.
