Entry requirements
- Completion of Food & Cookery Skills: First Steps (Level 1 Certificate)
- Relevant qualifications and work experience may be considered.
Why take this course?
Following on from the Food & Cookery Skills: First Steps course (Level 1 certificate), you’ll build on the basics and take your culinary skills to a professional level.
Practical sessions are the heart this course, and you’ll learn how to prepare and present complex dishes and multi-course menus to industry standards.
Our experienced lecturers will guide you through advanced cooking techniques, including sauce-making, pastry work and knife skills.
You’ll also gain valuable insight into the business side of the food industry to help you understand how professional kitchens operate.
Throughout the course, you’ll get the chance to experiment with local and seasonal produce and participate in local chef demonstrations.
By the end of the 18 weeks, you’ll have the skills and confidence to create dishes that not only taste amazing but look professional. You’ll be ready for progression to further training, an apprenticeship, or an entry-level role in the hospitality industry.
What you will experience
For 18 weeks, you’ll spend three days a week at Fraserburgh Campus. You’ll usually spend one day a week in the classroom or doing prep work, followed by two days training in our Bistro restaurant and kitchen.
During this course, you will:
- Master advanced cookery techniques
- Prepare and present multi-course menus to industry standards
- Learn about timing and coordination for larger-scale service
- Develop key skills such as communication and leadership while working as part of a kitchen brigade
- Get inspired with guest demonstrations and master classes such as bread making
- Gain experience in menu planning, costing, and portion control
- Learn about sustainable food practices and the creative use of seasonal, local produce
- Explore Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s vibrant food scene – from artisan producers to fine dining
- Understand how global trends influence local menus.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
What you will need
- You will receive a list of required materials and uniform before the start of your course.
- A laptop or similar device will also be required.
What you will get
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Food and Cookery Skills
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place this winter.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
College transport to Fraserburgh
You may be eligible for College transport to Fraserburgh Campus from a number of locations. Please contact collegetransport@nescol.ac.uk for more information.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Employment
Employment opportunities are widespread in the hospitality and catering industries, with roles available in settings such as fine dining, hotels, restaurants, commercial catering and tourism.
- Catering Assistant
- Chef
- Commis Chef
- Kitchen Assistant
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
Currently unavailable
This course is currently unavailable for booking. Why not join our mailing list to be the first to know when bookings re-open? Don’t worry – you can choose to only hear about part-time, full-time or distance learning courses and we’ll only be in touch when we’ve got something important to tell you. Alternatively, you can browse our online and distance learning courses and start learning straight away!
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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