Catering Courses

This programme is aimed at 16-18-year-olds who may be progressing from the Level 1 Introduction to Professional Cookery, or those who are currently working in catering and looking to expand their knowledge and advance to a more senior role.

The Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery course is designed to provide you with a high standard of cookery skills and prepare you for an apprenticeship or employment in the catering and hospitality sector. Students who achieve this qualification could look forward to a future career as a professional chef.

You will further develop the knowledge, skills and behaviour learned from the Level 1 qualification. You will focus on practical food preparation and cooking, as well as workplace essentials, such as, food safety and kitchen management. The course is made up of fifteen mandatory units:

1. Food safety in catering
2. Developing skills for employment in the catering and hospitality industry
3. Health and safety in catering and hospitality
4. Healthier foods and special diets
5. Catering operations, costs and menu planning
6. Prepare and cook stocks, soups and sauces
7. Prepare and cook fruit and vegetables
8. Prepare and cook meat and offal
9. Prepare and cook poultry
10. Prepare and cook fish and shellfish
11. Prepare and cook rice, pasta, grains and egg dishes
12. Produce hot and cold desserts and puddings
13. Produce paste products
14. Produce biscuit, cake and sponge products
15. Produce fermented dough products

This is a 1-year course and is delivered on our Buxton campus, in our state-of-the-art and fully equipped kitchens where you will have access to all the equipment you need to explore your talent.

You will learn through a combination of theory-based sessions in the classroom and live briefs/ practical workshops in our kitchens. At the end of the programme, you will be able to show your competence in a broad range of professional cookery skills and demonstrate responsibility for your work and an ability to work independently.

Your progress will be fully supported and tracked by our highly experienced tutors who have worked as industry professionals themselves. You will benefit from their vast experience in their area of expertise and their understanding of the industry. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in work experience with local employers across Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

At BLC we offer an enhanced student experience with the opportunity to take part in educational trips, enrichment activities and visits from guest speakers who provide workshops and offer invaluable advice on the catering industry.

Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery

You could progress on to;

• an apprenticeship in catering,
• or employment in the hospitality and catering industry.

You will be assessed on an ongoing basis and in a variety of ways, including observation, assignments, practical tests and written tests.

There is also a final assessment at the end of your course where your overall knowledge, skills and behaviours will be tested.

You will need a minimum of three Grade 3 GCSE, ideally including English and maths and completion of the Level 1 Introduction to Professional Cookery or previous industry experience.