Chef

There are many different types of chefs that speciialise in different areas, such as pastry, fish, vegetables, the list goes on. As a chef it is common for the working hours to be long, working conditions to be very hot and humid, with the job being very physically demanding but very rewarding. With working with food and different types of equipment you will need to be up to date with health and safety and the food regulations. 

  • You could work in hotels, restaurants, pubs, schools, colleges, cruise ships, the NHS or the armed forced.
  • In a small kitchen you may be a general chef. In a large kitches you may be a specialist chef, in charge of one area like pastry, fish or vegtables, woking under a head chef.
  • Your day to dat tasks will vary with your role, but my include:
    • Preparing attractive menus to nutritional standards;
    • Controlling and ordering stock and inspecting it on delivery;
    • gutting and preparing animals and fish for cooking;
    • Scraping and washing large quantities of vegetables and salads;
    • Cooking and presenting food creatively;
    • Monitoring production to maintain quality and consistent portion sizes;
    • Working under pressure to make sure food is served on time;
    • Keeping to hygiene, health and safety and licesnsing rules.

 

  • You’ll need knowledge of allergens, nutrition and diets
  • There are no set requirements, but GCSE’s in English and Maths will help.
  • You could do on-the-job training, starting as a kitchen assistant or tranee chef. Another option is to take a full-time college course.
  • You could also get a job through an apprenticeship

You will need:

  • Organisational and time management skills;
  • Excellent communication and number skills;
  • The ability to stay calm under Pressure.
Starter £13,000 (Trainee Chef)
Experienced £18,000 to £25,000 (Section Chef)
Highly Experienced £30,000 to £50,000 (Head Chef)

Further Information

For further information click on the links below:

Next Steps

Hospitality Guild

Apprenticeships

How to become a Chef