Free Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Nottingham. Classes run full-time at Nottingham College City Hub. Over one year, you'll build hands-on kitchen skills: preparing and cooking meat, fish, poultry, soups, salads, and pastry dishes, all in a professional kitchen setting. You'll also complete a 30-hour work placement to gain real industry experience. Entry requires at least 2 GCSEs including English Language and maths at grade 3 or above, or a relevant Level 1 vocational qualification with the same.
Who this course is for
This course is perfect if you love the buzz of being in a kitchen and creating tasty and inspiring dishes. You'll turn your passion into a career with this, which is designed to turn you into a professional cook.
Entry requirements
You'll need 4 GCSEs at grades 4-3 (D-E) including English Language and Maths, one of which must be at grades 9-4 or a relevant Level 1 vocational qualification with English Language and maths, one of which must be at grades 9-4. With this you will be asked to take an initial assessment, and this must show that you are ready to study English and maths at the next level.
What you will learn
You'll plan and prepare meals at scale using professional kitchen techniques.
You'll cook meat, fish, and poultry dishes to industry standards.
You'll prepare soups, salads, and pastry dishes.
You'll work safely in a kitchen environment, following food hygiene and health and safety practices.
You'll use industry-standard kitchen equipment with confidence.
You'll gain experience cooking for a range of customers during your work placement.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical, hands-on cooking sessions in a professional kitchen, alongside classroom study. Assessment is through the NVQ route: your skills and knowledge are assessed on the job, with observations of your practical work and evidence gathered throughout the course. You'll also complete a 30-hour work placement as part of your training.
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 chef in a professional kitchen
Commis chef: junior kitchen role, how to become a chef starting point
Kitchen assistant: supporting food preparation in a catering team
Catering assistant: food service in schools, hospitals, or corporate settings
Short-order cook: fast-paced cooking in cafes or casual dining
Pastry assistant: specialist preparation in bakeries or hotel kitchens
What you could study next
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery: the next step for chefs aiming for senior kitchen roles, covering advanced techniques and supervision.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hospitality Supervision: useful if you want to move into team leader or supervisor roles in catering and hospitality.
Level 2 Food Safety in Catering Award (Highfield or CIEH): a short compliance qualification many employers ask for alongside a cookery qualification.
