Free Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Gravesend

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start13 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Gravesend. Classes run at North Kent College Gravesend, full-time during the day. The course builds on experience in a professional kitchen, developing skills in classic French cookery techniques including sauces, stocks, and knife work. You'll study for one year, covering both practical cooking and the knowledge behind it. The provider notes that stage one focuses on classic French cookery, with terms and techniques used in professional kitchens. This level 2 professional cookery qualification suits those looking to specialise or move toward a supervisory role.

Who this course is for

This programme is suited to learners who have worked in a professional kitchen for some time or have completed the Professional Chef Diploma. Your work may involve supervising others or managing resources, or you might want to further develop your skills to become a specialist chef or move into a management role.

Stage one of the programme develops professional cookery skills and associated knowledge based on classic French cookery. Terms such as macedoine, roux and béchamel can be displayed alongside a broad range of dishes and commodities. Taught through practical and theory sessions in our training kitchen and classrooms, it is also demonstrated through work as a Chef de Partie (Section Head) in our contemporary restaurant and canteen. In addition, work placements and experiences with our business partners further develop these skills leading to paid employment and apprenticeships.

Stage 2 of this programme develops a number of supervisory units including - developing productive working relationships with colleagues and maintaining health, hygiene and security of the working environment, as well as specialist units chosen by the assessor including - complex fish, meat and poultry dishes and complex pastry and hot and cold desserts. Further development is recognised by carrying out a Sous Chef (Second Chef) role in our restaurant.

The study programme includes opportunities for you to develop your English and Maths skills as required. You may be expected to complete either functional skills or GCSE qualifications as part of the course dependent on your GCSE results

What you will learn

  • You'll develop classic French cookery techniques, including sauces such as roux and béchamel.
  • You'll prepare dishes using professional knife skills and kitchen methods.
  • You'll apply knowledge of cookery terms used in professional kitchens.
  • You'll practise skills for supervising others or managing kitchen resources.
  • You'll build specialist knowledge to work toward a chef or kitchen management role.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical, hands-on sessions in a professional kitchen environment alongside classroom-based study. Assessment combines practical observations, where you demonstrate cookery skills, with written or knowledge-based tasks that test your understanding of techniques and kitchen practice.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. North Kent College Gravesend will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Chef de partie: runs a specific section of a professional kitchen.
  • Commis chef: entry-level role supporting senior chefs.
  • Sous chef: second-in-command in a kitchen brigade.
  • Kitchen supervisor: oversees day-to-day kitchen operations.
  • Specialist chef: focuses on a cuisine or technique, such as pastry.
  • Catering manager: manages food production and kitchen teams.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery (City and Guilds): the next step for those aiming for senior chef or kitchen management roles.
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery: a work-based route that builds on your Level 2 skills in a real kitchen setting.
  • Apprenticeship (Chef de Partie or Commis Chef): combine paid work with structured training toward a recognised standard.

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