Free Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Exeter – Exeter College – Full-time

CostFREE
Duration468 hours
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Exeter. Classes run at Exeter College. This is a full-time daytime course, running to 468 hours of study. You'll cover the skills and techniques that professional kitchens expect, from food preparation and cooking methods to kitchen safety and menu knowledge. The City and Guilds level 2 professional cookery qualification is well regarded by employers across the hospitality and catering sector. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm this is the right level for you before you start.

Who this course is for

For details about CG DIPLOMA IN INTRODUCTION TO PROFESSIONAL COOKERY - LEVEL 2 - MICHAEL CAINES ACADEMY, please see the College Website (Courses can be found under the 16-18 / Adults / University tabs or use the search box at the top of the screen or use the screen). Alternatively please call to speak to a college advisor.

Entry requirements

See website for futher details

What you will learn

  • You'll prepare and cook a range of dishes using professional techniques.
  • You'll handle, store, and maintain food safely in a kitchen environment.
  • You'll follow health, safety, and hygiene standards used in professional kitchens.
  • You'll develop knife skills and food preparation methods across different cuisines.
  • You'll understand how to work efficiently as part of a kitchen team.
  • You'll learn how to present dishes to a professional standard.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions and practical kitchen work at Exeter College. Assessment is through a combination of practical tasks and observations carried out in a kitchen environment, alongside written or knowledge-based assessments. Your progress will be assessed against City and Guilds standards throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Exeter College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Chef de partie: section cook in a professional kitchen
  • Commis chef: entry-level role in restaurants and hotels
  • Kitchen assistant: supporting chefs in food preparation
  • Catering assistant: food service in schools, hospitals, or events
  • Short-order cook: fast-paced café or canteen cooking
  • Prep cook: specialist preparation work in larger kitchens

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery (City and Guilds): the next step for chefs moving into senior kitchen roles and supervisory positions.
  • Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery: a work-based route that lets you build on your skills while employed in a kitchen.
  • Level 3 Award in Food Safety in Catering: a focused qualification that supports supervisory responsibility for food safety.

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