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Free Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Ashton-under-Lyne – Tameside One – Full-time

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Professional Cookery Level 2 Course in Ashton-under-Lyne. Classes run full-time at Tameside One, with daytime attendance over one year. You'll train in a working kitchen and restaurant environment, building practical skills in food preparation, cooking, and serving food and drink. The level 2 professional cookery classes cover specialist areas of professional cookery, giving you a solid foundation for work in the catering industry. Entry usually follows a Level 1 qualification in the same subject area, and an interview with the catering team is part of the application process.

Who this course is for

This is a practical course which incorporates various aspects within the specific specialist areas of food preparation and cooking, also serving food and drink, providing you with an excellent foundation for your career within the catering industry. You will gain valuable practical experience working in the Bistro & Reflections kitchen and restaurant; both are restaurants belonging to the college, situated on Beaufort Road site and are both open to the public.

If you are hoping to pursue a career in the kitchen, you will learn about cooking, culinary art and culinary techniques from around the world.

For those progressing from level one, prior-gained skills will be developed.

Other subjects covered include:

  • Effectively working as a team
  • Hygiene, health and safety
  • Practical preparation and cooking developed around commodities within a restaurant kitchen workshop.
  • The incorporation of both classical and contemporary dishes within a realistic work environment.

Entry requirements

It is usual for learners to precede this program by completing the Level 1 qualification in the same subject area, and a suitable standard in functional skills (English and maths) and you must have a keen interest in the catering industry. The process for being accepted on the course will also involve an interview with a member of the catering team to ensure the course is best suited to the learners needs & ability.

What you will learn

  • You'll prepare and cook food across a range of specialist areas.
  • You'll develop skills in food presentation and plating.
  • You'll learn how to serve food and drink to restaurant customers.
  • You'll apply food hygiene and kitchen safety practices.
  • You'll work in a live kitchen and restaurant setting open to the public.
  • You'll develop an understanding of the catering industry and its standards.

How you will learn

You'll learn through hands-on practical work in a professional kitchen and restaurant. Assessment for this NVQ Diploma is competence-based, so you'll be observed carrying out real tasks in the kitchen. You may also complete written assignments or knowledge assessments to support your practical work. The interview before you start helps the catering team plan your training around your skills and goals.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Tameside One will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Chef de partie, working a specific section in a professional kitchen.
  • Commis chef, supporting senior chefs in a restaurant or hotel.
  • Kitchen assistant, preparing ingredients and supporting service.
  • Catering assistant, working in schools, hospitals, or workplace canteens.
  • Short-order cook, preparing food quickly in cafes or fast-casual venues.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery. The natural next step if you want to take on more responsibility in the kitchen and work toward senior chef roles.
  • Level 2 or Level 3 Award in Food Safety in Catering (Highfield or CIEH). Strengthens your food hygiene credentials, which many employers look for.
  • Apprenticeship in Commis Chef or Chef de Partie. Lets you earn while you develop your skills in a working kitchen.
Apply on tameside.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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