Free Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Nottingham. Classes run at Nottingham College City Hub. You'll study full-time over one year, covering menu planning, kitchen organisation, health and safety, food theory, and hands-on cooking skills across meat, fish, pastry, soups, and salads. You'll also develop front-of-house skills in waitering, barista work, and bar service. A 30-hour work placement is encouraged alongside your studies. Entry requires 4 GCSEs at grades 3 - 9, including English Language and Maths, with at least one at grade 4 or above. Functional Skills Level 2 is accepted as equivalent to a grade 4 GCSE.
Who this course is for
This course is perfect if you've got a passion and a flair for cooking and want to apply your skills in a professional kitchen as a chef or work in the restaurant front of house.
Entry requirements
You'll need 4 GCSEs at grades 9-3 (A*-D), including English Language and Maths - one of English Language or Maths must be grade 9-4 (A*-C). Functional Skills Level 1 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 3 (D) and Functional Skills Level 2 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 (C) or above.
What you will learn
You'll plan menus and cost food and ingredients professionally.
You'll apply health and safety practices in a commercial kitchen.
You'll cook a range of dishes including meat, fish, pastry, soups, and salads.
You'll develop food theory knowledge to underpin your practical skills.
You'll practise waitering, barista, and bar skills for front-of-house roles.
You'll organise and manage kitchen workflows.
You'll complete a 30-hour work placement in a real hospitality setting.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical cooking sessions in a commercial restaurant kitchen, alongside classroom-based food theory. Assessment includes practical tasks, written work, and coursework completed throughout the year. You'll also gain front-of-house experience through restaurant service sessions and a 30-hour work placement.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Nottingham College City Hub 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: junior kitchen role, how to become a chef entry point
Kitchen assistant: supporting chefs in food preparation
Barista: coffee and hot drinks specialist in a café or restaurant
Front-of-house server: waitering in restaurants and hospitality venues
Catering assistant: food service in schools, hospitals, or events
What you could study next
Level 3 Advanced Professional Cookery Diploma (City and Guilds): the next step for those aiming for senior kitchen roles or head chef positions.
Level 2 Food and Beverage Service Diploma: builds on the front-of-house skills covered in this course.
Apprenticeship in Commis Chef (Level 2): combines employment with structured training in a professional kitchen.
