Free Level 3 Cookery Course in Widnes. Classes run at Riverside College Kingsway Campus. You'll work in professional kitchens preparing and cooking complex dishes, covering larder, production, and pastry. The course runs full-time over one year. You'll also develop supervisory skills by working alongside Level 1 and Level 2 students. Entry requirements are based on your GCSE results and course criteria; the college will confirm the specific grades needed at interview. This level 3 cookery qualification is a serious step toward a professional kitchen career.
Who this course is for
Aimed at School Leavers. You will work in our professional kitchens to prepare and cook complex dishes. You will cover all the key areas including larder, production and pastry. You will work with the level 1 and level 2 students who will assist you to develop your supervisory skills.
Entry requirements
Specific course entry criteria alongside your GCSE results will determine the level you start at. Specific grades are required in certain subjects. Find out about the individual entry requirements and level in the course information on the college website or at your interview.
What you will learn
You'll prepare and cook complex dishes to a professional standard.
You'll work across larder, production, and pastry sections.
You'll apply advanced techniques used in professional kitchen environments.
You'll develop supervisory and leadership skills in a kitchen setting.
You'll manage food preparation processes and kitchen workflows.
You'll work to industry standards for food safety and hygiene.
How you will learn
You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in professional kitchens, alongside classroom-based study. Assessment includes practical observations, written assignments, and coursework. You'll be assessed on your ability to prepare and cook dishes to a professional standard, as well as your knowledge of cookery principles and kitchen supervision.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Riverside College Kingsway Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Chef de partie: runs a specific section in a professional kitchen.
Commis chef: entry-level role in hotels, restaurants, and catering.
Pastry chef: specialises in desserts, bread, and patisserie.
Sous chef: second-in-command in a kitchen brigade.
Kitchen supervisor: oversees a team during service.
Catering manager: manages food production for large-scale operations.
What you could study next
Level 4 Professional Cookery qualifications: deepen your technical and management skills for senior kitchen roles.
NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery: a work-based route that builds on your skills in an employed setting.
Foundation Degree in Culinary Arts: combines professional cookery with business and management, offered by many universities and colleges.
