Free Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Saint Helens. Classes run at St Helens College, with daytime sessions that fit around other commitments. You'll build practical cooking skills across a range of professional kitchen techniques, from food preparation and cooking methods to menu planning and kitchen safety. This is a substantial course at 400 hours, so you'll cover the subject in real depth. A professional cookery qualification at this level is recognised by employers across the hospitality and catering industry.
Who this course is for
This Course is for people who want to study Diploma in Professional Cookery
Entry requirements
Please check www.sthelens.ac.uk/courses
What you will learn
You'll prepare and cook a range of dishes using professional kitchen techniques.
You'll follow food hygiene and safety procedures used in commercial kitchens.
You'll work with different cooking methods, including roasting, grilling, braising, and poaching.
You'll prepare stocks, sauces, soups, and other core components of professional menus.
You'll handle, store, and present food to industry standards.
You'll plan and cost dishes as part of kitchen operations.
You'll work at pace and manage your time in a kitchen environment.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical, hands-on sessions in a professional kitchen environment at St Helens College, alongside classroom-based theory. Assessment is a mix of practical observations, where an assessor watches you work, and written assignments covering underpinning knowledge. You'll be assessed on your ability to apply skills consistently, not just in a single test.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. St Helens College 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 role in restaurants and hotels
Kitchen assistant: food prep and support in catering operations
Catering assistant: food service in schools, hospitals, or workplace canteens
Short-order cook: fast-paced cooking in cafes and diners
Sous chef: with experience, second-in-command in a kitchen
Banqueting chef: large-scale event and hospitality catering
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery (City and Guilds): the next step for those aiming for senior kitchen roles such as sous chef or head chef.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering (Highfield or CIEH): a short compliance qualification many employers require alongside a cookery diploma.
Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor qualification: if you want to move into front-of-house or management alongside kitchen skills.
