Free Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Widnes. Classes run at Riverside College Kingsway Campus, full-time during the day. You'll train in professional kitchens, preparing and cooking a range of savoury and sweet dishes from local and international cuisines. You'll also develop customer service skills working in the college restaurant. The course runs over two years. Entry is based on your GCSE results and an interview; the college will confirm the specific grades required.
Who this course is for
Aimed at School Leavers. You will work in our practical kitchens preparing and cooking a variety of local and international savoury and sweet dishes. You will also have the opportunity to develop your customer service skills in our College restaurant.
Entry requirements
Specific course entry criteria alongside your GCSE results will determine the level you start at. Specific grades are required in certain subjects. Find out about the individual entry requirements and level in the course information on the college website or at your interview.
What you will learn
You'll prepare and cook a variety of savoury dishes using professional kitchen techniques.
You'll prepare and cook sweet dishes and desserts to industry standards.
You'll work with local and international cuisines, broadening your cooking range.
You'll develop customer service skills in a real restaurant environment.
You'll follow food hygiene and safety practices in a professional kitchen.
You'll manage your time and workflow during busy kitchen service.
How you will learn
You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in professional training kitchens and through work in the college restaurant. Assessment includes practical observations, where you demonstrate cooking skills to your assessor, alongside written assignments and tests covering food safety, nutrition, and cookery theory. Your progress is assessed throughout the course rather than in a single final exam.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Riverside College Kingsway 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 kitchen role, how to become a chef from scratch
Kitchen assistant: supporting the brigade in a busy kitchen
Catering assistant: food preparation in schools, hospitals, or canteens
Short-order cook: fast-paced cooking in cafes or diners
Restaurant kitchen staff: working across multiple stations in service
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 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering - a short compliance qualification many employers require.
Apprenticeship in Commis Chef (Level 2) - combines on-the-job training with a professional cookery qualification, earning while you learn.
