Whites Chef Academy

chef tutor gently dusting the counter with flour in front of several students
Ready to apply?
Whites Chef Academy
a table setting with a plate of fancily displayed shortbread biscuits, strawberries and ice cream

Why Study Here

At Macclesfield College’s Whites Chef Academy, you’ll receive exceptional culinary training with unique opportunities. Our restaurant opens on select dates throughout the year, providing practical experience. You’ll benefit from exclusive demonstrations by Michelin starred chefs, gaining valuable techniques and insights.

courses available in Whites Chef Academy

Level 1: Whites Chef Academy

Level 1: Whites Chef Academy

Overview

What will I study?

During this course you will explore a full range of units including, but not limited to:  
  • Maintaining a safe working environment
  • Maintaining food safety
  • Cooking methods including boiling, poaching, steaming, grilling, baking, roasting, grilling, stewing and braising
  • Preparation of meat and poultry
  • Deep and shallow frying
  • Cold food preparation
  Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

You can progress onto a Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need mostly grades 3-1 in your GCSEs. On successful completion of this programme, you will gain the VRQ Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to Culinary Skills

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year (with an option to fast track)
Level 1: Whites Chef Academy
Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery

Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery

Overview

What will I study?

During this course you will explore a full range of units including, but not limited to:  
  • Maintaining a safe working environment
  • Working effectively as part of a hospitality team
  • Maintaining food safety
  • Maintaining, handling and cleaning knives
  • Preparation of meat and poultry
  • Soups, stocks and sauces
  • Vegetables
  • Hot and cold desserts
Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

You can progress onto an apprenticeship or employment
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

You will need 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English or maths. On successful completion of this programme, you will gain the VRQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery qualification (Preparation and Cooking).

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year (with an option to fast track)
Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery

Level 1: Whites Chef Academy

Overview

What will I study?

During this course you will explore a full range of units including, but not limited to:  
  • Maintaining a safe working environment
  • Maintaining food safety
  • Cooking methods including boiling, poaching, steaming, grilling, baking, roasting, grilling, stewing and braising
  • Preparation of meat and poultry
  • Deep and shallow frying
  • Cold food preparation
  Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

You can progress onto a Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need mostly grades 3-1 in your GCSEs. On successful completion of this programme, you will gain the VRQ Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to Culinary Skills

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year (with an option to fast track)
Level 1: Whites Chef Academy

Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery

Overview

What will I study?

During this course you will explore a full range of units including, but not limited to:  
  • Maintaining a safe working environment
  • Working effectively as part of a hospitality team
  • Maintaining food safety
  • Maintaining, handling and cleaning knives
  • Preparation of meat and poultry
  • Soups, stocks and sauces
  • Vegetables
  • Hot and cold desserts
Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

You can progress onto an apprenticeship or employment
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

You will need 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English or maths. On successful completion of this programme, you will gain the VRQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery qualification (Preparation and Cooking).

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year (with an option to fast track)
Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery

aspirational

Careers

A group of chef students putting on their chef uniforms

Trips/employers

At Whites Chef Academy, you'll have the chance to interact with top culinary professionals through regular guest Chef demonstrations and talks, providing you with valuable insights and inspiration. You'll also visit prestigious restaurants, offering a glimpse into upscale culinary environments and how your skills are applied in real world settings.

DANIEL PUGH

DANIEL PUGH

STUDENT

SPOTLIGHT

Dan studied Levels 1, 2 and 3 in Professional Cookery at Macclesfield College. During his final years of high school, he was unsure about his future, but college helped him find direction and focus. Hearing the Chefs share stories of traveling the world and exploring new cuisines sparked Dan’s passion for both cooking and travel.

A key moment in his course came when a guest Chef ran a five-course menu demonstration. Inspired by the Chef’s approach, Dan asked to work with him. He was offered a weekend job, which later turned into a full-time position after college. Over the next three years, the Chef became Dan’s mentor, helping him develop his skills until he was ready to pursue his dream of traveling.

Now, Dan is the owner and head chef of Miss Chief, an Asian-inspired cocktail and tapas restaurant in Cairns, Australia. The fusion of his college training and the flavours he discovered in Thailand, Bali, Melbourne and Sydney shapes his restaurant’s unique menu. His advice: work hard, embrace every experience and celebrate the small victories, you never know where they’ll take you.

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