How to Become a Chef in 5 Practical Steps
- Consider career options and specializations. Do you prefer making appetizers and entrees or baking desserts and pastries?
- Go to culinary school.
- Start working in a restaurant kitchen.
- Work your way up in the field.
- Pursue certification.*
- Learn About Our Culinary Programs.
You’ll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level.
- 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course.
What qualifications do you need to be a chef?
- Choose school courses: Studying food technology at school gives you skills and knowledge relevant to a career as a chef.
- A college course: You can undertake different levels of professional National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) like a Diploma in Cookery.
How to get a job in a kitchen with no experience?
Apply for Commis Chef roles
Many places are happy to hire people for entry-level roles that they can train up. The role of Commis Chef is an entry-level Chef position. As a Commis Chef, you’ll receive rotational training and be placed in varying positions around the kitchen.
Can you be a chef with no experience?
You could start as a kitchen assistant or trainee chef, known as commis chef. You could then work your way up while learning on the job. Restaurants and catering companies often advertise for kitchen assistants and commis chefs.
How do chefs get their first job?
If you have no qualifications or experience, and you don’t plan on going to college or applying for an apprenticeship, then the best way to become a chef is by starting at the bottom. Apply for a job as a Kitchen Porter and work your way up from there. At the same time, you could start self-teaching at home.THE FIVE SKILLS THAT EVERY COOK NEEDS TO KNOW
- KNIFE SKILLS. Whether you are chopping a carrot or fresh herbs, a basic understanding of culinary knife skills should be the first thing you master in the kitchen.
- SAUTEEING.
- ROASTING.
- BLANCHING.
- EMULSIFICATION.
Can you be a kitchen assistant with no experience?
Kitchen Assistant / Commis Chef
No previous experience is required. Keeping the kitchen clean, tidy and organised. How to use specialist kitchen equipment safely and correctly.You can get into this job through:
- University. You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in culinary arts or professional cookery.
- College. One way to become a chef is to take a college course, such as:
- Apprenticeship.
- Work.
- Volunteering.
- More Information.
Is it hard to work in the kitchen?
It’s a Physically Demanding Job
Working in a kitchen, you’re going to be standing and moving around for at least 8 hours. You’ll also need to be lifting heavy pots of food, carrying large bags of food, and stocking walk-ins with food, which can put a strain on your body.
How to become a Cook
- Obtain a two-year or four-year culinary degree. Some employers, however, only require that a cook has proficiency in food safety, hospitality, advanced cooking, and sanitation.
- Acquire advanced training to have a good grasp of skills needed for fast-paced work environments.
Do you need experience to be a kitchen assistant?
Most Kitchen Assistants gain experience on the job, but some employers prefer candidates who have previous experience in a similar or related role such as a Helper or a Kitchen Porter. Applicants must also have experience operating various kitchen equipment, preparing raw ingredients and sanitising the kitchen area.You’ll need:
- customer service skills.
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
- the ability to work well with others.
- to enjoy working with other people.
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail.
- the ability to use your initiative.
- business management skills.
- the ability to work well with your hands.
Does a kitchen assistant have to cook?
Kitchen assistants perform all cleaning, washing, and preparation duties required in kitchens. They assist cooks and kitchen supervisors with all tasks necessary to ensure that kitchen operations run smoothly.Kitchen Assistant Skills and Requirements
- Previous kitchen work experience.
- Sound knowledge of food safety regulations.
- Physically fit and able to stand for entire shifts.
- Ability to work under pressure and as part of a team.
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Time management and organisational skills.