Work+

Description

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.

Students will be required to purchase the following:

• A kitchen and restaurant uniform approximate cost £115

• Textbook approximate cost £31

Modules

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.

Assessment:

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.

Award

Level 2 Diploma

Validated By

Eligibility

16+ fully funded

Entry Criteria

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

Duration

2

Start Date

Monday 02 September 2024

End Date

Monday 07 September 2026

Progression Pathway

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.

Description

The NI Apprenticeship Programme Level 3 is designed to prepare you for a job in a high-class kitchen or to update your current skills to develop and improve your own establishment’s standards. You will specialise in professional cookery, an all-round kitchen, larder and patisserie experience to equip you for a fantastic career.

Modules

Topics of study will include:

• Safe, Hygienic, and secure Working environments in Hospitality

• Effective Teamwork

• Food Safety in catering

• Principles of how to maintain, handle and clean knives

• Preparation, Cooking and Finishing of Vegetable Dishes

• Preparation, Cooking and Finishing of Poultry Dishes

• Preparation, Cooking and Finishing of Fish Dishes

• Preparation, Cooking and Finishing of Meat Dishes

This programme is the equivalent of 5 GCSE’s and will include study of GCSE English and Maths.

A personal training plan will be developed to detail your training pathway within the chosen vocational area.

This programme of study is likely to include additional enrichment activities/module(s) which are included to enhance your employability.

Assessment will take place through portfolio building as well as series of online tests.

Award

City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery

Validated By

Eligibility

16+ fully funded

Entry Criteria

Requirements are pre-defined by the College’s admissions criteria, which can be found by visiting our entry criteria page here to find out the standard entry criteria.

Enhance entry criteria for this course is listed below:

• Applicants’ must have a complete Level 2 in Professional Cookery or 5 years Professional Industrial Experience.

Proof of qualifications MUST be provided when you enrol, e.g. exam certificates.

Achieved and pending qualifications can be recorded now by logging into your online application account.

All courses within Belfast Met are delivered and assessed in English, apart from language-specific courses. Your competence in English must be verified prior to enrolling on your chosen course.

Duration

1

Start Date

Monday 09 September 2024

End Date

Monday 08 September 2025

Progression Pathway

As a chef, you cook food and prepare ingredients as part of a team. You will need to be able to work under pressure as kitchens can be intense working environments. Most chefs start as kitchen assistants with the aim to progress your career to head chef.