Free Level 3 Cookery Course in Nottingham. Classes run at Nottingham College City Hub. You'll study advanced cookery techniques full-time over one year, combining hands-on kitchen sessions with theory and supervisory skills. The course covers menu development, food hygiene, health and safety, and managing service in a professional kitchen environment. You'll also complete industry work placements and learn from professional chefs. This is a City and Guilds level 3 cookery qualification, so employers and further education providers will recognise it.
Who this course is for
This intensive course is perfect if you love to cook, have a creative flair and want to further develop your cooking skills to move into a supervisory role in a professional kitchen.
Entry requirements
You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including English Language and Maths - both of these must be grades 9-4 (A*-C) or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths. You can also gain a place by having a relevant Level 2 vocational qualification with English and Maths GCSE grades 9-4 (A*-C). Relevant industry experience would also considered.
What you will learn
You'll develop advanced cookery techniques using complex ingredients and flavour combinations.
You'll create new dishes and menus, including à la carte and prix fixé.
You'll build supervisory skills for managing kitchen and front-of-house service.
You'll deepen your knowledge of food hygiene and health and safety in catering.
You'll gain experience running live service in a commercial restaurant setting.
You'll complete industry work placements in professional kitchens.
You'll research and apply the theory behind professional catering practice.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom-based and practical, combining hands-on kitchen sessions with theory study. You'll be assessed through practical cooking tasks, supervised service in a working restaurant, and written or research-based assignments. Work placements form part of the programme. Assessment follows the City and Guilds Diploma framework.
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: runs a section in a professional kitchen.
Sous chef: supports the head chef and supervises the team.
Kitchen supervisor: oversees daily kitchen operations and staff.
Commis chef: entry-level role in a professional kitchen brigade.
Restaurant supervisor: manages front-of-house and service coordination.
Catering manager: plans and oversees catering operations in larger venues.
What you could study next
Level 4 Diploma in Professional Culinary Arts (City and Guilds or similar): moves you toward head chef and senior kitchen management roles.
Foundation Degree or BA in Culinary Arts: offered by universities for those wanting to combine advanced cookery with business and management study.
NVQ Level 3 in Hospitality Supervision: useful if you want to focus on the supervisory and management side of the industry.
