Professional Cookery Diploma

Course information

The Level 2 Professional Cookery is aimed at learners that are looking to start a career in the Hospitality and Catering industry.

If you want to work in a fast-paced, action-packed and creative industry then look no further than a career in catering. The opportunities for career progression in this industry are some of the best. From commis chef to sous chef, all the way up to head chef, if you are willing to put in the hard work you could be running your own kitchen in a few years’ time.

As a nationally recognised Centre of Excellence in three disciplines, and AA Highly Commended College Rosette Restaurant winner, there really is nowhere better to study catering and hospitality.

You will start your catering studies on our Level 2 course depending on your GCSE results and skills test. From here, you can then progress on to our Professional Cookery Diploma Level 3.

What You Will Learn

This qualification provides a real opportunity for you to gain work specific skills and knowledge in Professional Cookery.

This qualification covers the knowledge and skills you will need to enter work as a professional chef.
You will learn many of the techniques used in professional cookery, including:
• boiling, poaching and steaming
• stewing and braising
• baking, roasting and grilling
• deep frying and shallow frying
• cold food preparation
As well as learning about:
• the structure of professional kitchens and the principles of working as a professional chef
• how knives, tools and equipment are used in professional kitchens
• how to work safely and hygienically

You will also receive personal tutorials which will provide opportunities to set your personal targets and to carryout self-evaluation and reflection.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Three or more GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, or successful completion of a relevant Level 1 qualification.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and, where relevant, progress in maths and/or English.

You will need to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grades A* - C (4 – 9) in English and mathematics or an equivalent qualification.
At Cornwall College, we recognize that applicants without these qualifications can often offer a high level of competence as well as life experience and we will therefore consider all applications on their merits alongside their qualifications. If you are 16-19 without the required grades, you will continue to develop your skills of Maths, English & Employability as a part of your study programme. If you are unsure as to whether or not you meet the requirements, please call the Catering & Hospitality department and ask to speak to the course manager who will be happy to discuss it with you.

Work Experience

We would like you to find a work placement while on the course but not necessary as we will help you find a placement or gain work experience in our training kitchen and restaurants. Or helping out in our local business to gain that valuable experience to help you develop a career in an exciting industry

Assessment

You will be assessed through in house practical assessment, theory assignments and through multi-choice exams.
This will be springtime and in the summer, followed by a Synoptic exam covering the things you have learnt.

Progression

The Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Professional Cookery, an Apprenticeship Level 3, or employment as a kitchen, catering, food or beverage assistant.
If you choose to enter employment at the end of this qualification, you are most likely to begin work as a Commis Chef. A Commis Chef is the most common starting position in a professional kitchen. A Commis Chef carries out a variety of preparation and cooking tasks, under the supervision of a more senior chef. You are likely to be able to find work as a Commis Chef with a variety of establishments, such as:

• Restaurants
• Bistros
• Pubs
• Hotels
• Contract caterers
• Armed forces

Cornwall College Camborne

Cornwall College Camborne

Our Camborne campus has served as a vocational training hub for nearly a century. The iconic Tamar tower and the ‘big top’ that covers our construction and engineering provision, are landmarks known throughout the area. This legacy, combined with an exciting modernisation programme, has made Cornwall College Camborne the home of cutting edge facilities, dynamic learning experiences and fantastic student spaces. Open and modern learning areas, electric vehicle training labs, esports gaming facilities, chill out areas, an award-winning restaurant and plenty more besides, makes this the perfect place to have your #careercollege experience.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

Find out more about our Camborne campus

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