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Student Handbook
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Are you an enthusiastic person who loves a challenge and likes to be in a busy, lively and people focused environment? A Professional Chef Diploma may suit you if you have some basic skills or experience with food, or may just have a genuine interest in learning more about cooking as a career. This course will allow you to develop the practical, industry relevant skills which will equip you with the basics of what is needed to work effectively as a chef in wide variety of service settings.
This course is a two-year programme and suitable for anyone over 16 years of age, as a follow on to an introductory course or for direct enrol if underpinning knowledge and experience of the catering industry can be demonstrated.
The opportunities in the area of catering are endless, and for every type of learner there is a job role which can be suitably matched to allow for a fulfilled and satisfying career, so please come along and talk to the teaching team to find out more.
From the beginning of the course, you will be working in real kitchens, developing your knife skills, learning about key ingredients and how to use them, gaining an understanding of cooking process and the science behind them, getting to know how to use professional equipment, learning about working safely and hygienically and of course creating and cooking your first dishes. While you are building your skills, you will learn much more about yourself and about how to be successful at work.
The Professional Chef Diploma is overseen by a supportive lecturing team who all come from a catering industry background. They will guide and encourage you, while helping you develop the confidence you need to work in a fast-paced environment. You will learn how to work under pressure as part of a team, while always working safely and hygienically.
You will learn a lot about yourself and unleash talent and skills you didn't know you had, taking pride in your work and achievements and develop meaningful, lifelong communication and social skills.
Minimum 6 points at GCSE or equivalent. Selection is subject to a successful interview at which the applicant needs to demonstrate an ability to complete the course and show enthusiasm, commitment and interest in the programme and the catering industry
This qualification is assessed continually through observation of performance in a realistic working environment, where you will agree a plan with your tutors for the assessment of your skills.
Knowledge and understanding are assessed through a blend of written, oral and online questioning.
Following successful completion of the Level 2 Diploma, Learners can progress onto Level 3 Diploma in Professional Chef or the Level 3 Hospitality Supervision and Leadership programme. There are also excellent career opportunities in all sectors of the industry including fine dining, hotels, restaurants, gastro pubs and the Health and Welfare sector.
The college has many contacts with industry employers, who are constantly recruiting learners for part-time and full-time positions locally and further afield.
Students will be required to purchase the following:
P2325DT10A
Session Code
2 Year(s)
Duration
Apprenticeships
Mode of Study
17.5
Hours per Week
34
Number of Weeks
Interview Required
25/26
Academic Year
01/09/2025
Start Date
Subject to Timetable
Day/s
Stephen.Sloan@swc.ac.uk
Coordinator(s)
Total Annual Fee N/A
Total Concessionary Fee N/A
Fees Payable Each Year
**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?
P2325ET10A
Stephen.McFarland@swc.ac.uk
P2325OT10A
Michael.Donaghey@swc.ac.uk
Foundation Degree in the Professional Practice of Culinary Arts (Validated by The Open University)
City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership
FDQ Level 3 Diploma in Professional Chef