Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Chesterfield
CostFree if you're eligible
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding body
Free if you're 19 to 23 and this is your first full Level 2. Chesterfield College lists a fee of £1,377 if you're not eligible. Contact Chesterfield College for more info.
Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Chesterfield. Classes run full-time at Chesterfield College, five days a week during the day. You'll need four GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English Language or Maths, or a relevant Level 1 qualification to get started. Over one year, you'll develop the cooking techniques, kitchen skills, and food knowledge that professional kitchens demand. This is a City and Guilds professional cookery qualification, giving you a solid foundation for a career as a chef.
Who this course is for
16-18 Learners
Entry requirements
Four GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English Language or Maths, or a relevant Level 1 qualification.
What you will learn
You'll prepare and cook a range of dishes using professional techniques.
You'll handle, store, and prepare food safely and hygienically.
You'll work with meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, sauces, and pastry.
You'll plan and organise your work in a professional kitchen environment.
You'll understand nutrition and how it applies to menu planning.
You'll develop knife skills and learn to use commercial kitchen equipment.
You'll present dishes to a professional standard.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical kitchen sessions and classroom-based theory. Assessment combines practical cooking tasks, where you demonstrate skills in a kitchen setting, with written assignments and tests covering food safety, nutrition, and cookery knowledge. You'll be assessed on your ability to produce dishes to a consistent standard under realistic kitchen conditions.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Chesterfield College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Commis chef: entry-level role in a professional kitchen
Kitchen assistant: supporting chefs across all sections
Catering assistant: food preparation in schools, hospitals, or events
Pastry assistant: working in bakeries or hotel pastry sections
Chef de partie: section chef role once you have experience
Hospitality team member: front-of-house and kitchen-facing roles
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery (City and Guilds): deepens your technique and prepares you for senior kitchen roles such as chef de partie or sous chef.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering: a short compliance qualification many employers require.
Apprenticeship in Commis Chef (Level 2): earn while you learn in a working kitchen, building on your college training.
