Free Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Burton-on-Trent. Classes run at Burton Town Centre Campus. You'll need a minimum of four GCSEs at grade D or above, or Level 1 Functional Skills in English and maths, plus a successful interview and initial assessment. Over one year of full-time daytime study, you'll develop food preparation skills, work in a commercial restaurant, and cover kitchen operations, menu planning, table service, and customer service.
Who this course is for
This course is aimed at learners who are progressing from a Level 1 Hospitality Diploma, or have experience in the hospitality industry. It covers both practical and theoretical subjects in cookery and restaurant craft skills. You will gain a broad understanding of food preparation, health and safety, kitchen operations, costing and menu planning, table service and customer service.
Entry requirements
Minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade D or above (if this does not include English and maths these MUST be studied as part of the Level 2 programme) or Level 1 Functional Skills equivalent in English and maths; successful interview and initial assessment; successful completion of Level 1 Diploma programme (progressing learners).
What you will learn
You'll prepare and cook a range of modern and classical dishes.
You'll develop food preparation techniques across different cooking methods.
You'll apply health and safety practices in a kitchen environment.
You'll manage kitchen operations, including costing and menu planning.
You'll deliver table service and customer care in a commercial restaurant setting.
You'll handle customer payments and develop barista skills.
You'll learn through a mix of practical kitchen sessions and classroom-based theory. Practical work takes place in a commercial restaurant environment at Burton Town Centre Campus. Assessment covers both practical performance and theoretical knowledge, including health and safety, kitchen operations, and restaurant craft skills. English and maths must be studied alongside the course if not already held at the required level.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Burton Town Centre 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 role in restaurants and hotels.
Kitchen assistant: supporting food preparation and service.
Catering assistant: food production in schools, hospitals, or contract catering.
Barista: coffee preparation and front-of-house service.
Restaurant team member: combining cookery and customer service skills.
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery (City and Guilds): the next step for those aiming for senior kitchen roles such as sous chef or chef de partie.
Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Professional Cookery: broader culinary and management skills for those wanting to progress into supervisory positions.
Apprenticeship (Chef de Partie): combine on-the-job training with a formal qualification while earning.
