Free Level 2 Professional Cookery (Preparation and Cooking) Course in Birmingham. Classes run at University College Birmingham, full-time during the day, over one year. You'll build hands-on skills in food preparation and cooking, training in industry-standard kitchens and gaining real-world experience through industry placements. The course covers the practical techniques and knowledge that chefs use day to day, from basic preparation through to producing finished dishes. Well-trained chefs are in strong demand, and this professional cookery qualification gives you a solid foundation to enter the industry.
Who this course is for
"Do you dream of becoming a professional chef? Well-trained chefs are in strong demand, with big promotion prospects for those who demonstrate commitment and flair for the job. From working in fine dining restaurants to event catering, our Professional Cookery college course will give you the practical skills and knowledge for a range of careers in the catering and foodservice industries.
University College Birmingham is internationally renowned for our chef training and catering courses, with an experienced team of expert chef lecturers and excellent professional kitchen facilities for you to hone your culinary skills. Our Level 2 course introduces you to key food preparation and cookery skills, while the Level 3 course builds on your culinary foundations to take your cooking to a higher level with more complex techniques and dishes, preparing you either to start your career or move onto a university degree.
Our chef college courses focus on developing your hands-on practical skills, and you'll have the opportunity to put them to the test both on campus and out in the industry. As well as training in our industry-standard kitchens and restaurants, you'll gain additional real-world experience on placements, working anywhere from hotels and restaurants to cafes and food manufacturers."
Entry requirements
Please refer to the University College Birmingham course page for specific entry requirements.
What you will learn
You'll practise core food preparation techniques used in professional kitchens.
You'll learn how to cook a range of dishes to industry standards.
You'll develop skills in kitchen hygiene, food safety, and safe working practices.
You'll gain experience working in a professional kitchen environment on campus.
You'll complete industry placements in hotels, restaurants, cafes, or food production settings.
You'll build knowledge of ingredients, cooking methods, and presentation.
How you will learn
You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in professional kitchen facilities on campus. Assessment is based on observed practical performance and knowledge checks. Industry placements are included as part of the course, giving you assessed experience in real catering environments. Classes are classroom and kitchen based, delivered full-time during the day.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. University College Birmingham will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Chef de partie: section chef in a restaurant or hotel kitchen.
Commis chef: entry-level kitchen role, how to become a chef starts here.
Kitchen assistant: supporting food preparation in catering operations.
Catering assistant: food service roles in schools, hospitals, or contract catering.
Pastry chef: specialising in baking and dessert production.
Event catering chef: preparing food for large-scale events and functions.
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery: the natural next step, covering more complex techniques and dishes. University College Birmingham offers this as a follow-on course.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery: a work-based route that builds toward senior kitchen roles.
Foundation Degree or BA in Culinary Arts: for those who want to move into management or specialist culinary careers at degree level.
