School Leaver

Start Date: Duration: Level: Study mode: Course Location: Course Type:
September 1 Year Level 3 Full-Time City Campus Full-time Vocational Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

Unlock your culinary potential and take your passion for cooking to the next level. This course provides an excellent opportunity to refine your skills in creating sophisticated dishes, mastering techniques like butchery, fish preparation, and classical sauces. Ideal for those who dream of working in high-end kitchens or running their own business, you'll be exposed to the tools and knowledge that shape professional chefs. You'll also gain invaluable industry experience through practical sessions and real-world placements, preparing you for the fast-paced demands of the culinary world. It's a pathway that balances creativity and precision, setting you on a fulfilling journey in professional kitchens.

You will need Level 2 Culinary Skills qualification or equivalent catering qualification.

Study level Cost
16-18 Free

In this course, you will be evaluated by assignments and observations.
Practical elements will include mastering a diverse range of skills in food preparation. These skills encompass the art of creating advanced vegetable and vegetarian dishes, elevating meat dishes to a new level, perfecting poultry and game dishes, and creating exquisite shellfish dishes.

Theory units include exploring gastronomy within a chosen region, food safety and health and safety.

GCSE Maths and English are vital stepping stones for your academic and professional journey. Achieving a good grade in these subjects not only fulfils most college entry requirements but also equips you with essential skills critical in almost every field. Whether you're calculating percentages in business, crafting compelling arguments, or simply managing daily tasks, these core subjects enhance your problem-solving and communication abilities, setting a solid foundation for your future studies and career success. Start your college course with confidence by securing these key qualifications.

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.

The Level 3 professional cookery course is ideal if you are a chef working in the industry or if you already have a Level 2 qualification.

In this programme, you will develop a strong foundation in professional cookery, gaining expertise in preparing and cooking meat, fish, and poultry using various techniques. You'll also refine your skills in creating accompaniments, sauces, garnishes, and a variety of pastry products for both the college deli and within the City Bistro Restaurant. These are all essential skills highly valued in the industry.

By focusing on practical excellence, diverse culinary knowledge, and international culinary requirements, our course will empower you to become a well-rounded and in-demand chef, ready to make your mark in the culinary world.

What’s next?

Upon completing this course, students are well-prepared to step into professional kitchens as chefs or pursue more specialised roles in hotels, restaurants, or catering companies. For those interested in further study, higher education in culinary arts or hospitality management offers a natural progression. Alternatively, students can pursue advanced chef qualifications, such as our Level 4 courses, or consider apprenticeships in prestigious kitchens to further hone their skills. This qualification opens doors to a dynamic and rewarding culinary career, whether aiming for leadership roles or entrepreneurship in the food industry.

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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