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Level 3 Professional Cookery Course in Harlow

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

Free for 16 to 18 year olds. Fees apply for adults. Advanced Learner Loan available. Contact Harlow College for more info.

Apply now →

About this course

Level 3 Professional Cookery Course in Harlow. Classes run at Harlow College. You'll need a VRQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery at Merit or above to join. This two-year, full-time professional cookery qualification takes your skills to an advanced level, covering complex dishes, menu planning, hygiene, health and safety, teamwork, and customer care. You'll work in professional kitchen facilities and have the chance to take a lead role in running the training kitchen. The course is delivered over three and a half days across a five-day week, with at least three evening sessions per year.

Who this course is for

You will have worked as a chef for some time, have lots of experience and you may already supervise others or manage resources. You will want to develop your skills further, perhaps to work in a senior chef role.

This hands-on programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to help you become a professional chef. It will open doors to various sectors of the food industry and provide you with many workplace essentials. Throughout this course you will gain high standard cookery skills in our state-of-the art facilities, alongside other fundamental knowledge in; hygiene, health & safety, teamwork and customer care.

Entry requirements

VRQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery at Merit or above

What you will learn

  • You'll create complex dishes to a high professional standard.
  • You'll plan menus and take a lead role in kitchen operations.
  • You'll develop advanced kitchen and larder skills.
  • You'll apply food hygiene and health and safety practices.
  • You'll work as part of a team and develop customer care skills.
  • You'll practise skills relevant to a senior chef role.
  • You'll take part in catering competitions to sharpen your technique.

How you will learn

Learning is hands-on and classroom-based, using professional kitchen facilities. You'll develop skills through practical cookery sessions, menu planning exercises, and taking a lead role in the training kitchen. Assessment covers both practical performance and underpinning knowledge in areas such as hygiene, health and safety, and kitchen management.

What you will need to bring

Uniform, books, and equipment cost approximately £300. There are also visit costs of around £80 and a locker fee of £10. Harlow College will confirm any further requirements before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Chef de Partie: runs a specific section of a professional kitchen.
  • Sous Chef: second-in-command, supporting the head chef daily.
  • Head Chef: leads the kitchen team and oversees all food production.
  • Kitchen Supervisor: manages day-to-day kitchen operations and staff.
  • Larder Chef: specialises in cold food preparation and larder work.
  • Banqueting Chef: prepares food for large-scale events and functions.
  • Private Chef: cooks for individuals, families, or private clients.

What you could study next

With a Level 3 professional cookery qualification, you could move into management-level study. A Level 4 or Level 5 qualification in Hospitality Management or Culinary Arts would suit those aiming for senior leadership roles. Professional development awards in areas such as food safety management or nutrition are also worth considering if you want to specialise further.

Apply on harlow-college.ac.uk →
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