School Leaver

Start Date: Duration: Level: Study mode: Course Location: Course Type:
September 1 Year Level 2 Full-Time City Campus Full-time Vocational Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

Unlock the full potential of your culinary passion with our Level 2 programme, designed to elevate your cooking skills and prepare you for a successful career in the culinary arts. This course seamlessly combines practical kitchen training with theoretical knowledge, offering you the hands-on experience needed to excel in dynamic kitchen environments. From mastering intermediate techniques to understanding kitchen operations, you’ll be guided by our lectures who are committed to nurturing your talent.
Ideal for aspiring chefs, this programme not only sharpens your skills but also enriches your understanding of the culinary world, setting a solid foundation for your future ambitions. Whether you aim to become a professional chef or want to enrich your culinary expertise, this programme offers the perfect recipe for your success.

You will need 4 GCSE's at grade 3-9.

Study level Cost Additional fees
16-18 Free You will need to provide your own stationery. You will also be given the opportunity to take part in trips and visits, which may incur an additional cost. We also ask for a contribution for an overnight trip in the college year. Uniform costs are currently around £110, which you will be required to purchase at enrolment. Support is available for those applying for a bursary to help with their studies.

The course will involve a mixture of theory and practical teaching.

Assessments are both exam based and through the use of coursework and practical observations.

You will also have the opportunity to work within our City Bistro, a real restaurant working environment at City campus.

Achieving a Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English is important, but if you're not there yet, don’t worry! We provide supportive classes to help you meet these essential criteria. These subjects form the backbone of your educational toolkit, opening doors to further studies and exciting apprenticeships. Our sessions in Maths and English will equip you with the skills needed to thrive academically and professionally.

Placement opportunities are an integral part of our curriculum, designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and the professional world. These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real workplace challenges, enhancing their academic learning with practical skills. Tailored to complement your studies, placements are offered in a range of industries, from innovative local startups to leading global corporations.
By actively participating in these structured and supportive environments, students not only observe but also contribute meaningfully to the workings of their chosen field. This hands-on approach boosts confidence and provides a competitive advantage in the job market. The insights and experience gained are often transformative, arming students with the necessary tools for a successful and dynamic career. These opportunities are crafted to ensure you emerge as a well-rounded professional, ready to make significant contributions in your future endeavours.

At Sunderland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

What’s next?

Upon completing this Level 2 culinary programme, students are excellently positioned to advance their culinary studies or dive into the professional world. They can choose to further refine their skills by progressing to our level 3 Professional Cookery courses, or they may opt to begin their culinary careers immediately. Students find opportunities in a variety of settings, including restaurants, hotels, and catering services, where they can showcase their skills and creativity. This course sets the stage for a thrilling and fulfilling journey in the culinary arts, turning passion into professional achievement.

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93% of our students have progressed to employment, university or further study

(*Destination data, all students, 2023-24)

Why choose Sunderland College?

Rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted

NSS, 2024

94% Overall pass rate for T Levels

2022-23

Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement

NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024

We have International award winning Immersive Spaces at both Bede and City Campus