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Free Level 2 Culinary Skills Course in Manchester – The Manchester College Wythenshawe Campus

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 2 Culinary Skills course in Manchester. Classes run at The Manchester College Wythenshawe Campus. You'll need some prior experience or a Level 1 qualification in a culinary or catering role to join. Over one year of full-time daytime study, you'll cover everything from stocks, soups and sauces to meat, fish, pastry and desserts. You'll also complete 20 hours of work placement with an employer and gain kitchen experience in the college restaurant. This level 2 culinary skills qualification is assessed through practical assignments and a written theory exam.

Who this course is for

If you have basic skills and experience as a chef, this Level 2 Diploma in Culinary Skills will suit you. Upon completion of this course you will have the skills required to succeed in more senior culinary roles.

Topics include:

  • Health and safety in catering and hospitality
  • Healthier food and special diets
  • Catering operations, costs and menu planning
  • Prepare and cook stocks, soups and sauces
  • Prepare and cook fruit and vegetables
  • Prepare and cook meat and offal
  • Prepare and cook poultry
  • Prepare and cook fish and shellfish
  • Prepare and cook rice, pasta, grains and egg dishes
  • Produce hot and cold desserts and puddings
  • Produce paste products
  • Produce biscuit, cake and sponge products
  • Produce fermented dough products

Students completing this course will gain work experience in The Manchester College’s restaurant, complete 20 hours’ work placement with an employer partner, and will work in partnership with The Chefs’ Forum.

What you will learn

  • You'll apply health and safety practices in catering and hospitality environments.
  • You'll plan menus and manage catering operations and costs.
  • You'll prepare and cook stocks, soups, sauces, and a wide range of proteins including meat, offal, poultry, fish, and shellfish.
  • You'll prepare and cook fruit, vegetables, rice, pasta, grains, and egg dishes.
  • You'll produce hot and cold desserts, puddings, paste products, and biscuit, cake, and sponge products.
  • You'll make fermented dough products.
  • You'll adapt dishes to meet healthier eating guidelines and special dietary needs.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions and hands-on kitchen practice. Assessment combines practical assignments and a written theory exam. You'll also complete 20 hours of work placement with an employer partner and gain real kitchen experience in the college restaurant, working in partnership with The Chefs' Forum.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The Manchester College Wythenshawe Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Chef de partie: runs a specific section of a professional kitchen.
  • Commis chef: supports senior chefs across all kitchen sections.
  • Kitchen supervisor: oversees day-to-day kitchen operations and junior staff.
  • Catering assistant: supports food preparation in schools, hospitals, or contract catering.
  • Pastry chef: specialises in desserts, breads, and baked goods.
  • Restaurant cook: prepares and serves food in a restaurant or hotel kitchen.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Professional Cookery: the natural next step if you want to move into senior chef roles.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership: suited to those moving toward supervisory or management positions in hospitality.
  • Patisserie and confectionery qualifications: a specialist route for those focusing on baking, pastry, and dessert work.
Apply on tmc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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