Free Level 2 Food and Cookery Course in Dover. Classes run full-time during the day at Woodpecker Court. The course runs over 12 months and covers the practical and technical skills you need to work in a kitchen. You'll develop your cookery techniques alongside broader skills that employers look for. The NCFE Level 2 food and cookery qualification is recognised by employers in hospitality and catering. You'll have an initial assessment so the centre can plan your learning around your starting point.
Who this course is for
The curriculum is reflective of the needs of the student, the bespoke nature of Woodpecker Court enables a degree of flexibility to ensure that we remain holistic and focused upon their learning journey. Many of our students have had a previous fragmented education, our envisaged end point for them is when they are deemed to be resilient, reflective, responsible as well as respectful while being academically functional for both life and onward destination. We encourage our students to be reflective every day throughout their learning journey. We achieve this by implementing opportunities where students can reflect on their day by running a morning and afternoon briefing based under our parachute. From a teaching and learning perspective, it is essential lesson planning includes the use of starter and plenary activities to highlight key points of learning, which will encourage students to retain knowledge. Students who embark on a learning journey at Woodpecker Court will become flexible in their working nature. The curriculum offers opportunities to learn new skills within our bespoke environment working closely with our animals, caring for the woodland, and learning how to be take responsibility for the provision and greater community. We build resilience in all of students, whether that be working in a range of challenging weather conditions, to being taught how to overcome mistakes with woodwork projects in our workshop, to undertaking a range of sensitive PSHE qualifications. Students will be given guidance to see positives in every challenge they face. The curriculum aspires to set “there is no ceiling...seek the stairs” approach for every student and any barriers they face are seen as an opportunity to learn. The curriculum provides opportunities for students to stretch and challenge themselves, no matter how big or small the outcome.
What you will learn
You'll develop core cookery techniques including preparation, cooking, and finishing dishes.
You'll learn how to work safely and hygienically in a kitchen environment.
You'll practise knife skills and the correct use of kitchen equipment.
You'll understand how to plan and cost dishes for a catering setting.
You'll build knowledge of nutrition and how it applies to menu planning.
You'll develop the practical skills needed to work as part of a kitchen team.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions and hands-on practical cookery work at Woodpecker Court. Assessment is through a combination of practical tasks and written work. Your progress is reviewed throughout the course, with the centre adapting your learning plan to suit your needs and goals.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Woodpecker Court will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Chef. Entry-level kitchen role preparing and cooking food.
Kitchen assistant. Supporting chefs in a busy catering environment.
Catering assistant. Food preparation in schools, hospitals, or care settings.
Short-order cook. Fast-paced cooking in cafes or casual dining.
Commis chef. Junior chef role in restaurants or hotels.
Canteen cook. Cooking for large groups in workplace or institutional settings.
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery. The next step if you want to move into senior kitchen roles or head chef positions.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering. A short qualification many employers expect alongside cookery training.
Level 2 Hospitality Team Member Apprenticeship. Combines on-the-job training with a recognised qualification in hospitality.
