Collage showing students plating food in a restaurant kitchen and serving glasses of wine at the table

Culinary Skills

Qualification: City & Guilds Diploma
Level 2

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About this course

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In this course you will gain a high standard of cookery and service skills and learn other workplace essentials including customer service and kitchen health and safety.

You will benefit from training and working in our public Aspire Restaurant and modern industry standard kitchens, cooking for and serving real paying customers.

This qualification and skills you will learn will open the doors to a wealth of career opportunities within hospitality and catering.

 

Graphic: 1st Choice College in the area logo. Source: Vector Rankings 2022

On this course you will follow a full-time Study Programme made up of the following four compulsory elements to best prepare you for progression to employment, apprenticeships, further study or applying to university:

  • The main subject qualification
  • Work experience for a minimum of 37 hours or, on some courses, up to 50 days over an academic year. You will be expected to find placements by researching companies, contacting employers and speaking with college staff. 
  • English and maths where students have not yet achieved GCSE grade 4 or above in these subjects
  • Additional enhancing activities such as tutorials and work-related learning, including careers fairs, site visits and guest speakers, to help further develop the personal skills relevant to your progression goals

The Culinary Skills Level 2 Qualification

    • How to prepare and cook a range of products including fish, meat, vegetables, soups, pastry as well as hot and cold desserts
    • Food and beverage service skills
    • Customer service skills
    • Cook and serve food in Aspire Restaurant

Trips, visits and activities

As part of the course you will also take part in industry trips and activities including networking events, visits and guest lectures. Previous events have included:

    • Industry networking opportunities through work experience and a dedicated industry week
    • Guest lectures from a wide range of industry professionals
    • Opportunity to meet representatives from universities

Our modern commercial kitchens and commercial fine dining restaurant (Aspire) will provide you with the perfect place to learn your trade in this industry. Gain valuable experience of working in the restaurant and at catering events that will build your CV and enhance your employability.

Explore our virtual tour - Aspire Restaurant (new window)

Explore our virtual tour - Training Kitchens (new window)

Course assessed by:

  • 100% coursework / practical

Level 1 Hospitality & Catering (including GCSE English and maths grade 3 or above)

 

You will be required to attend a College interview prior to enrolling onto this course.

Start Date Course Times Duration Campus Fees
02/09/24 TBC 1 year Main campus
  • Level 2 Professional Patisserie and Confectionery
  • Apprenticeship in hospitality and catering
  • Work in hospitality and catering

Trips, visits & activities

  • Guest speakers
  • Entry to industry competitions
  • Industry week activities
  • Work experience

Course costs

Consumables of £30 will have to be paid at first session of the course.

Due to health and safety regulations you will be required to purchase and wear in all practical sessions a full uniform which consists of chef's whites, front of house uniform, and safety shoes. Please note that these are purchased through the college suppliers to ensure a high standard of presentation in our commercial Aspire Restaurant. You will also need a set of knives. Total cost approx. £278.

All ingredients are provided by the college.