Culinary Skills – Level 2

Start Date: 1st September 2025

Carlisle College Hospitality And Catering 7

Length 35 weeks
Study Full-Time
Location Carlisle College

Qualification Gained

Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Culinary Skills

Levels Explained

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More about the course

If you have a passion for cooking, this Culinary Skills course is a recipe for success.

On this level 2 catering course you can immerse yourself in hospitality and learn all of the essential skills and knowledge you will need to begin your dream career.

Under experienced chefs, you will have the opportunity to develop practical skills related to a wide range of cooking techniques in our College training kitchens and working Bistro.

These opportunities allow you to practice your communication skills in a simulated work environment which prepares you well for future employment in the hospitality sector.

Entry requirements

4 GCSEs at grade 3 (D) including English and maths
A Level 1 vocationally related qualification
Interest in Hospitality and Catering

Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course you will achieve a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Culinary Skills.

What will I learn?

Food safety in canteens
Prepare and cook rice, pasta, greens and egg dishes
Prepare and cook fish and shellfish
Prepare and cook poultry
Prepare and cook meat and offal
Prepare and cook stocks, soups and sauces
Prepare and cook fruits and vegetables
Health and safety in catering and hospitality
Produce hot and cold dessert and puddings
Produce fermented dough products
Prepare, cook and finish basic hot and cold desserts
Prepare, cook and finish basic rice dishes

How is the course taught?

Practical work
Group work
Demonstrations
Tutorials
Guided independent study

How am I assessed?

Synoptic assessments
Practical assessments
Written assessment

Work experience opportunities

Learners will be expected to complete work experience in the sector.

English and Maths

If you do not hold English and/or maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, you will be supported with dedicated lessons to help you achieve English and maths qualifications.

Professional cooks and chefs need to read recipes and rely on maths skills to weigh ingredients, calculate ratios and multiply recipes.

Where can I progress?

Subject to successfully achieving Level 2, learners may progress onto Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery.

Alternatively, learners may choose to seek employment in the Hospitality sector or enrol onto an apprenticeship.

Course Costs

If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section.

Call us: 01228 822 700

Email us: info@carlisle.ac.uk

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Scott Price

Hospitality & Catering Tutor

I started my career at Carlisle College, where I studied Catering and Hospitality; over the years I've had some amazing career opportunities and experiences from being executive chef for Gordon Ramsay, to launching my own restaurants and concepts company in Dubai and also working with high-end brands such as Marks & Spencer. I'm a firm believer that if you work hard and believe in yourself, anything is possible. The Hospitality business has so much to offer and can take you wherever you wish to go.

23 April 2024

Budding Chefs Night

Our Hospitality and Catering students have hosted a series of Budding Chefs Night, open to the public.

29 February 2024

NCG Skills Competition

The fourth annual NCG Skills competition was held at Lewisham College. The day brought together students from across five of NCG’s colleges, putting their skills and knowledge to the test through a series of practical tasks in real work environments, in front of a panel of expert judges.