Professional Cookery

As the professional cookery industry continues to grow, a qualification in professional cookery is useful as many opportunities arise in this sector from new restaurants continuously popping up covering a huge range of cultures, concepts and cuisines, with people engaging with new and exciting foods.

We offer a range of courses from SCQF Level 4 up to SCQF Level 6. These courses are designed to prepare you for employment within this industry.

We know that not all learning takes place within a classroom or college setting. Students benefit from our excellent links with local employers and related organisations, by hearing from industry speakers with a wealth of knowledge of the sector and provide valuable placement opportunities. Our previous students have benefited by hearing from HIT Scotland and many hotel owners both boutique and commercial.

We take our students out to different organisations and settings, with previous students visiting the kitchens of 5 star hotels such as The Balmoral in Edinburgh.

Many of our professional cookery students get the opportunity to gain work experience at internal and external events, with highlights for previous students being preparing and serving a three course meal at the Member’s Restaurant within the Scottish Parliament, and Royal Ascot

Professional cookery students complete a placement to allow them to build the skills and experience needed to excel in their future career.

Previous students have had the opportunity within a range of hotels and catering settings including Food Creations, Gleneagles and The Balmoral Hotel, some of whom are now in permanent employment with their placement companies following their course.

Luigi Berardino applied to study Professional Cookery to improve his skills, and continue his love for cooking. He talks about the skills and knowledge he has gained on the course, and how influential the lecturers have been during his studies.

Careers in Professional Cookery

A career in professional cookery is varied and exciting, with opportunities to specialise in a huge range of cuisines and environments or open your own restaurant or catering business.

To be successful in a professional cookery role requires you to be passionate about food and a willingness to constantly strive to meet the sophisticated palettes of restaurant customers.

Demand for chefs is at an all-time high, and there is expected to be with new positions created in food & drink over the next 10 years in West Lothian alone, with greater opportunities available within Edinburgh & Glasgow.

Our lecturers bring with them years of experience and knowledge, previously working as the Head Chef at Balmoral, Gleneagles Hotel, Cafe Andazluz in Edinburgh or owning their own catering firms.

Successful completion of your course qualifies you to work in positions including;