Professional Cookery Level 2 Course in Merton. Classes run at Merton College, full-time during the day. The college has professional kitchens and a working restaurant on site, giving you hands-on experience throughout the year. This City and Guilds level 2 professional cookery course covers the core skills professional kitchens expect, from food preparation and cooking techniques to kitchen safety and hygiene. The course takes one year to complete. You'll graduate with the City and Guilds NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery with certificate.
Who this course is for
Please see our website for full details www.stcg.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Please see our website for full details www.stcg.ac.uk
What you will learn
You'll prepare and cook a range of dishes using professional techniques.
You'll handle, store, and prepare food safely and hygienically.
You'll work with meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, sauces, and pastry.
You'll manage your time and workflow in a professional kitchen environment.
You'll follow health and safety procedures relevant to catering workplaces.
You'll present dishes to a professional standard.
How you will learn
You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in professional kitchen facilities at Merton College. Assessment is competence-based, as expected for an NVQ Diploma. You'll be assessed on your practical performance in the kitchen, demonstrating that you can carry out cookery tasks to the required standard. There may also be written or knowledge-based elements to support your practical work.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Merton College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Chef de partie: section chef in a professional kitchen.
Commis chef: entry-level role supporting senior chefs.
Kitchen assistant: hands-on food preparation and cooking support.
Short-order cook: fast-paced cooking in cafes or canteens.
Catering assistant: food production in schools, hospitals, or events.
Pastry chef: specialist baking and dessert preparation role.
What you could study next
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery (City and Guilds): the next step for chefs moving into senior kitchen roles or section leadership.
Level 3 Award in Food Safety in Catering: a short compliance qualification valued by employers in food service.
Apprenticeship in Commis Chef (Level 2): combines on-the-job training with further study if you want to earn while you learn.
