Level 3 Professional Cookery Course at Cheshire College Ellesmere Port Campus
Cost£3,024 with co-funding
Duration442 hours
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding body
Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. £3,024 if you're eligible for co-funding. Contact Cheshire College South and West to check if you're eligible and for the full price.
Level 3 Professional Cookery Course in Ellesmere Port. Classes run at Cheshire College Ellesmere Port Campus. You'll study full-time during the day, covering the skills and knowledge needed to work at a professional level in a kitchen. The course runs to 442 hours in total. You'll typically need five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including a 4/3 combination in maths and English. This is a strong route into chef roles across restaurants, hotels, and catering operations. City and Guilds NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery Level 3 with certificate.
Who this course is for
"Please enquire with the colleges Customer Services team to find out more about Professional Cookery NVQ Diploma - Level 3 - C&G suitability for learner types.
Entry requirements
"Typically you will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including a 4/3 (C/D) combination for maths and English."
What you will learn
You'll develop advanced cooking techniques across a range of culinary methods.
You'll learn how to plan, prepare, and cook dishes to professional kitchen standards.
You'll understand food safety, hygiene, and kitchen health and safety practices.
You'll practise menu planning and portion control for commercial kitchens.
You'll build skills in larder work, pastry, and specialist preparation techniques.
You'll learn how to work efficiently as part of a kitchen brigade.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based and practical kitchen sessions at Cheshire College Ellesmere Port Campus. Assessment for the City and Guilds NVQ Diploma is competence-based, meaning you'll be observed carrying out real cooking tasks and assessed on your practical performance. You'll also complete written or knowledge-based assessments to demonstrate your understanding alongside the practical work.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Cheshire College Ellesmere Port Campus 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: junior chef role, a common entry point after training.
Sous chef: second-in-command in a professional kitchen.
Pastry chef: specialist role in pastry and dessert production.
Catering supervisor: overseeing food production in contract catering.
Private chef: cooking for individuals, families, or corporate clients.
What you could study next
Level 4 Diploma in Professional Culinary Arts (City and Guilds): moves into advanced culinary techniques and kitchen management.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hospitality Supervision: useful if you want to move into supervisory or management roles in hospitality.
Foundation Degree or HNC in Culinary Arts: a higher education route for those looking to progress into senior kitchen or management positions.
