Professional Cookery
Modern Apprenticeship
What's Professional Cookery like?
Do you love food? Do you enjoy creating new recipes? If so, studying for a professional cookery apprenticeship can help you find a job that allows you to pursue your passion for food. Be part of a sector that is dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences.
The apprenticeship is great for anyone who wants to improve their kitchen skills. Learn how to cook a range of dishes such as patisserie and confectionery treats. Work with different ingredients and experiment with classic Scottish recipes like cranachan and haggis. Improve your awareness of cleaning techniques and learn about the importance of a healthy work station.
Scotland’s cooking industry has a variety of jobs for culinary enthusiasts. Work as a chef in a busy restaurant and create your own version of an established recipe. Become a school cook and devise a healthy meal plan for young children. Provide a high level of customer service as a waiter.
You'll gain a Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6.
> SCQF qualification levels explained
Your qualification includes:
Professional Cookery at SCQF Level 6
Professional Cookery: Preparation & Cooking at SCQF Level 6
Professional Cookery: Patisserie & Confectionary at SCQF Level 6
During your apprenticeship, you'll learn how to:
Maintain food safety in a kitchen environment
Maintain and handle knives
Prepare vegetables for basic dishes
Prepare poultry, meat and game for basic dishes
Prepare offal for basic dishes
Cook and garnish basic soups
Cook and chill food
Cook basic vegetable protein dishes
Cook and finish basic pasta dishes
You will develop the following core skills:
Communication
Problem-solving
Time management
Teamwork
These transferrable skills are useful for working in other jobs such as hygiene and hospitality.
This Modern Apprenticeship provides a great way to enter the food industry. Carry on your studies with a technical apprenticeship in cookery or find a full-time job.
Further education: Enhance your culinary skills by applying for a bachelor’s degree in food science or agriculture business management. This could lead to an advanced qualification such as a Masters in nutrition.
Straight to work: Use your qualifications and find a cooking related job. You could move onto jobs like:
Chef
Waiter
School cook
Nutritionist
Food scientist
Food production operative
Cook
Baker
Entry requirements
There are no specific requirements for this apprenticeship. But it is beneficial to have a genuine love of food and a desire to learn new recipes.
How does it work?
You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll also study with a college or another learning provider.
How long will it take?
This Modern Apprenticeship will take between 12 and 24 months to complete.
How to apply
Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.
You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.