How to be a chef

Our flagship course for young people who are not currently in full-time education, employment or training

Two young adult chefs cooking together in the kitchen.jpg

Who’s it for?

This 12-week course is designed for young people with a keen interest in cooking who are not currently in full-time education, employment or training (NEET). It offers practical kitchen skills, one-to-one mentoring and work experience opportunities, making it perfect for those interested in developing a career in hospitality.

Age range	16–25
Class timings	2 days per week
Course length	12 weeks

Apply for this course

At a glance

Course length

12 weeks

Dates

4th November 2026 – 4th February 2027 (term-time)

Times

Wednesdays and Thursdays 9.45am – 4pm

Cost

Free

Location

Square Food Foundation, Daventry Road, Bristol and off-site locations

Skill level

Some ability preferred (please contact us if you’re unsure about your ability)

Is this right for me?

This course is ideal if you want to:

Improve your cooking skills and confidence
Develop your passion for food
Experience cooking in a professional kitchen
Gain qualifications
Meet inspirational guest chefs

What you’ll learn:

How to cook different cuisines from around the world
Knife skills and butchery
Health and safety in the kitchen
Food presentation and plating
Time management and teamwork

Certification

By completing this course you’ll receive a Level 2 BTEC qualification in Home Cookery and a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.

Accessibility & support

We have experience supporting people with a range of learning needs and our kitchen is wheelchair accessible. Please let us know your support needs in your enquiry form, or call us on 0117 4622686.

Discuss your needs

"The entire course, from start to end provided unending and persistent growth to both my knowledge inside the kitchen, and often outside too. Every single session I left feeling more confident, skilled, and prepared for a life in the culinary industry."

Student feedback, How to be a chef

"Everything about the course has been great, but if I had to choose it would be the comfortable environment made by the whole team. Sitting down for lunch together every day and sharing the food we had made was lovely and very wholesome."

Student feedback, How to be a chef

"The culture inside the kitchen was always positive, and whenever I needed assistance or guidance, there was always someone around to help. One of the most interesting days was spent on a farm, going through the entire process from harvesting to prepping, all the way to cooking and serving a hearty meal."

Student feedback, How to be a chef

Ready to get started?

Apply now to register your interest in joining our next course, or get in touch if you have any questions. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.

Apply for this course Ask a question

How to be a chef application form

Intro

Please complete the form below to apply for the course. Please note, we are reviewing our applications in September so don't worry if you haven't heard from us before then, we will be in touch! If you would like to ask any questions before, please email jess.atherton@squarefoodfoundation.co.uk. If you would like us to help you complete the application form, please call us on 0117 462 2686 and we'll be happy to help.

Your full name *

Email *

Your address and postcode *

What name do you prefer to be called?

Phone number *

If you answered 'yes' or 'not sure', please provide more details - particularly about what time commitment this might need

The course is hands on and based at The Park Centre, in Bristol, UK, BS4 1DQ. How will you get here each week? (We regret we are unable to accept applications from overseas)

This course runs on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9.45am-4pm for 3 months. Please tick to confirm you can commit to attending the full course.

Please tick to confirm you will be aged between 16 and 25 years old during the course.

Is there anything else you'd like us to know?

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