Free Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Hitchin. Classes run at Hitchin Centre, full-time during the day, over 36 weeks. To join, you'll need four GCSEs at grade D or above including maths and English, or a Level 1 qualification in a relevant subject at Merit or Distinction plus Functional Skills Level 1 in maths and English. The course covers food preparation, cooking techniques, menu planning, and food safety. You'll also get hands-on work experience, including placements at professional kitchens and visits to trade events.
Who this course is for
Our catering and hospitality courses include lots of opportunities for you to get hands-on experience of the world of work, including:Work experience with businesses like Galvin at Windows in Park Lane, London and Midsummer House, a two-star Michelin restaurant in Cambridge. Many of our students have been offered jobs on the back of their work experience placement.Visits to Billingsgate Seafood School and trade shows such as Hotelympia.We also compete in a number of high profile national competitions such as Nestle Toque D?or, The Dolmio and Uncle Bens Foodservice Challenge and celebrity chef Cyrus Todiwala?s Zest Quest. Our talented team won an award at Zest Quest in 2019 and we have been finalists for two years running.Areas for study include developing your food preparation and cooking skills including meat and poultry, fish and shellfish, fruit and vegetables, bakery and patisserie work including hot and cold desserts and pasta products.
Entry requirements
Four GCSEs at grade D or above including maths and English; or,Four GSCEs at grade D or above, plus functional skills level 1 maths and English; or, A level 1 qualification in a relevant subject area, passed with a Merit or Distinction grade - plus maths and English GCSE grade D or above, or functional skills level 1 maths and English.
What you will learn
You'll prepare and cook a range of dishes using professional kitchen techniques.
You'll plan menus and organise food for different occasions and service styles.
You'll apply food safety and hospitality legislation in a kitchen environment.
You'll develop skills in front-of-house and back-of-house operations.
You'll gain work experience in professional hospitality settings.
You'll learn to work to industry standards under realistic kitchen conditions.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions and practical kitchen work at Hitchin Centre. Assessment includes hands-on practical tasks, written assignments, and observations of your performance in the kitchen. Work experience placements form part of the programme, giving you the chance to apply your skills in professional hospitality environments.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Hitchin Centre 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 kitchen role, how to become a chef
Kitchen assistant: food prep and support in catering operations
Catering supervisor: overseeing food production in larger settings
Restaurant cook: preparing dishes in a commercial restaurant
Hospitality team member: combined kitchen and service roles
What you could study next
Level 3 Professional Cookery Diploma: the next step for those aiming for senior kitchen roles or head chef positions.
Culinary Arts apprenticeship: combine work and study while earning a wage in a professional kitchen.
Level 3 Hospitality Management qualification: if you want to move into running a kitchen or food service operation.
