Free Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Weymouth. Classes run at Weymouth College, full-time during the day, over one year. You'll need a Level 1 Diploma in Professional Cookery or equivalent to apply. Entry is by interview and a trade test. The course covers practical cooking, food theory, and food service, including hands-on time in the Hix Academy Restaurant and kitchen. It's a strong route into the catering and hospitality industry.
Who this course is for
This course is a fantastic opportunity for students seeking a career in hospitality and includes challenging practical and theoretical workshops alongside working in the Hix Academy Restaurant and kitchen. The qualification will test your practical, theoretical and food service skills whilst enabling you to gain the necessary knowledge and understanding to enter the diverse and challenging industry of catering and hospitality.
Entry requirements
Candidates must have a L1 Diploma in professional cookery or equivalent. Selection will be based on interview and successful completion of a trade test. All students must have a good punctuality, a good attendance level, positive attitude to vocational area and if required continue to work towards English and Maths at Grade 4.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical preparation and cooking techniques across a range of dishes.
You'll learn food service skills in a working restaurant environment.
You'll study the theory behind food safety, nutrition, and kitchen operations.
You'll practise working to professional kitchen standards under realistic conditions.
You'll build knowledge of the catering and hospitality industry as a whole.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a mix of practical workshops in the kitchen and classroom-based theory sessions. Assessment is ongoing and includes practical tasks, written work, and demonstrations of your cooking and food service skills. You'll also gain experience working in the Hix Academy Restaurant, where your performance in a real kitchen environment forms part of your assessment.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Weymouth College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Chef de partie: runs a section in a professional kitchen.
Commis chef: entry-level role supporting senior chefs.
Kitchen assistant: prep and support work across all kitchen types.
Catering assistant: food preparation in schools, hospitals, or care settings.
Short-order cook: fast-paced cooking in cafes, diners, or canteens.
Pastry chef: specialist baking and dessert work in hotels or restaurants.
What you could study next
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery: the next step for chefs moving into senior kitchen roles and supervisory positions.
Level 3 Award in Food Safety in Catering (Highfield or CIEH): a short compliance qualification that many employers require for senior kitchen staff.
Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership: useful if you want to move into front-of-house or management alongside your cookery skills.
