A Career as a Chef

The job role

Chefs are employed in restaurants and by professional catering companies, and are responsible for preparing and cooking meals for customers.  They are part of a team within a fast-paced, highly pressurised environment and will initially be trained to work in one of the departments in a professional kitchen, such as sauces, starters or desserts, where there are specific techniques which need to be mastered for each one.

A Head Chef will be responsible for supervising members of the team within the kitchen, creating innovative new dishes for inclusion on the menu and ensuring adherence to all relevant health, safety and hygiene regulations.  Ultimately, they are responsible for the satisfaction of the customers through producing high-quality meals according to their specific requirements.

Relevant qualifications

Although no formal qualifications are required for entry as a Commis Chef, there are professional courses which can be undertaken including Food Hygiene Certificates, BTEC qualifications in Hospitality and Catering, and NVQs in Food Preparation and Cooking.  Chefs at a senior level can also study for Professional Cookery or Culinary Arts Management at degree level.

Skills requirements

A Chef should have a genuine love of food as this is actually a very demanding role that involves working long, late hours within a challenging environment.  Chefs should also be capable of learning new skills so that they can adapt to the latest trends in the food industry.  The ability to work as part of a team is an essential trait where each section must collaborate to ensure that all aspects of a meal are brought together at the right time.

Career development

Chefs can find employment in restaurants, pubs, hotels, schools, businesses and in the Armed Forces, and they can also choose to specialise in a particular area, such as Italian, French or Asian cuisine. In any kitchen, there is a set structure for promotion with Trainee and Commis Chefs being the entry-level roles and progression available up to Head Chef. Most Chefs strive towards the achievement of a Michelin Star or aim to work in one of the country’s Michelin-starred restaurants, although only those with exceptional skills and the greatest experience will achieve this.