Free Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Harlow. Classes run at Harlow College. You'll need 2 GCSEs at grade 3 and 2 GCSEs at grade 2, with one in Food Technology or Catering. This full-time, daytime professional cookery qualification covers a wide range of cooking techniques alongside hygiene, health and safety, teamwork, and customer care. You'll train in professional kitchen facilities and get the chance to cook at live functions and in the college restaurant. The course runs for one year.
Who this course is for
This hands-on programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to help you become a professional chef. It will open doors to various sectors of the food industry and provide you with many workplace essentials. Throughout this course you will gain high standard cookery skills in our state-of-the art facilities, alongside other fundamental knowledge in hygiene, health & safety, teamwork and customer care.
Entry requirements
2 GCSEs at grade 3 and 2 GCSEs at grade 2. One of these must be in Food Technology or Catering.
What you will learn
You'll practise boiling, poaching, steaming, and a range of other professional cooking techniques.
You'll learn safe working practices in the hospitality industry.
You'll use and care for professional kitchen tools and equipment.
You'll prepare dishes to a high standard across different food service contexts.
You'll develop knowledge of food hygiene and health and safety requirements.
You'll build teamwork and customer care skills used in professional kitchens.
You'll gain experience cooking and serving at live events and in a working restaurant.
How you will learn
You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in professional kitchen facilities. Training is classroom and kitchen based, full-time during the day. Assessment is through practical tasks and coursework covering cooking techniques, hygiene, and workplace skills. You'll also take part in catering competitions and live service events, including cooking and serving in the college's working restaurant.
What you will need to bring
The provider notes that uniform costs approximately £320, visits cost £120, and there is a £10 locker deposit (£5 returnable at the end of the programme). Harlow College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Chef de partie: runs a section in a professional kitchen
Commis chef: entry-level kitchen role preparing and cooking dishes
Kitchen assistant: supports chefs in a professional kitchen environment
Catering assistant: food preparation and service in catering settings
Restaurant kitchen staff: cooking and service in restaurant environments
Hospitality team member: food and beverage roles in hotels or venues
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery (City and Guilds): the next step for chefs aiming for senior kitchen roles or head chef positions.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery: a work-based route that builds on Level 2 skills in a real kitchen environment.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering (Highfield or CIEH): a short compliance qualification many employers require alongside a cookery qualification.
