Apprenticeship – Senior Chef Production Cooking – Level 3
Senior production chefs strive to produce customers’ meals consistently to perfection according to pre-determined specifications. They have the ability to work independently and lead a team in often hot and highly challenging kitchen environments.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
Senior Production chefs supervise/manage a team in working in time-bound and often challenging kitchen environments, for example, schools, hospitals, the Armed Forces, care homes and high street casual dining or pub kitchens.
Their team are likely to work with centrally developed standardised recipes and menus, producing food often in high volumes. They apply highly methodical organisational skills, energy, accuracy, attention to detail and are mindful of the importance of sustainability and protecting the environment.
Entry Requirements
GCSE Level 4 or above/equivalent Maths and English
What will you learn?
The apprenticeship is made up of four core modules, with knowledge, skills and behaviours relating to each module. By completing these modules, the apprentice will learn about:
Kitchen operations
Nutrition
Legal and governance
People
Business / Commercial
How will you learn?
Theory: you will attend interactive theory sessions online with your assessor. This will be fun packed and provide you with the knowledge you need to become an expert in your chosen field. It will include pre-session activities that will be discussed and will link to your own workplace as well as the wider hospitality industry.
Employer support: your employer will provide you with hands-on training and support, experience working in other departments and in-depth training around brand standards, values, customers and your organisation’s policies and procedures.
What will you need to bring with you?
- Laptop / iPad
- Internet access
- Notepaper and pen
How will you be assessed?
Formative assessment will be carried out for every module and your assessor will provide supportive, developmental, written feedback for every piece of work submitted.
Where next?
Level 4 and 5 study programmes
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Is there any financial support available?
Course Information for Employers
Apprenticeship summary
The apprenticeship is made up of five core modules and one specialist module, with knowledge, skills and behaviours relating to each module.
Are they any entry requirements for my apprentice?
GCSE Level 4 or above/equivalent Maths and English
What is required from the employer in the workplace?
This will be discussed with the employer and outlined in the employer handbook.
Behaviours expected within the role
To be successful at Derby College Group, the apprentice will be expected to be:
· Positive
· Polite
· Punctual
· Prepared
· Professional in their approach
What qualification will my apprentice gain?
Apprenticeship – Senior Chef Production Cooking – Level 3
What will the assessment look like?
Formative assessment will be carried out for every module and your assessor will provide supportive, developmental, written feedback for every piece of work submitted.
Will my apprentice need to come into college?
This will be discussed with the employer on an individual basis.
Is there any specialist equipment required?
What progression can my apprentice expect after completion of their apprenticeship?
Level 4 and 5 study programmes
What job roles will this apprenticeship be suitable for?
Senior production chef
Will the college help me find an apprentice?
You may already have someone in your organisation or someone has come to you direct asking for an apprenticeship, but if you don’t we have a free recruitment service to help you hire the best candidate for your organisation from our talent pool and external advertising through social media and the national apprenticeship services website
Contact us
If you are an employer and you would like to know more, please email businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or call 01332 387421
Career Information
DCG Success Stories
Tom Gaskin
Apprenticeships the way forward for young chefs and employers says head chef Tom
Taking the Level 3 helped advance my career. It gave me the opportunity to get work experience with butchers and fishmongers where I learned new techniques and cooking methods.
Find out what funding could be available to you:
Thinking about returning to education or developing new skills? Use our funding calculator below to get an estimate of the financial support you may be eligible for based on where you live.
Whether you’re looking to retrain, progress in your career, or try something new, funding could make your next step more accessible than you think.
Simply enter your postcode into the calculator to see an estimate of the funding that may be available in your area. This is based on regional funding allocations and typical eligibility criteria for adult learners.
Important:
The results shown are a guide only and are not a guarantee of funding.
Funding availability can vary depending on:
- Your personal circumstances (such as age, employment status, and prior qualifications)
- The course you choose
- Government and local funding rules at the time of enrolment
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Our courses are designed to fit around your life, with flexible study options and expert support every step of the way.
Find out more about the courses available. Adult Courses
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Course Information Last Updated On: July 18, 2025 9:27 am
