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How to become a Chef

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Chef

Chef

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The role of a Chef

What does a Chef do?

Are you passionate about food? Want to follow in the footsteps of Gordon Ramsey, Delia Smith or Jamie Oliver? If you want to take your family recipes one step further then becoming a chef could be the perfect career move for you.A chef’s role involves preparing, creating and cooking food. However, a chef’s duties will vary greatly depending on the size of the restaurant/kitchen and their specialism. Aside from a general chef, you could choose to specialise in areas as varied as pastry and desserts through to sauces and sautéing. Most entry-level candidates start as commis chefs.Although duties will vary, daily tasks for most chefs will include the following:

Preparing and cooking food
Delivering food promptly, adhering to serving deadlines
Measuring ingredients and controlling consistent portion sizes
Stock control
Adhering to relevant hygiene and health & safety guidelines

Is a career as a Chef right for me?

Being a chef involves long hours and hard work and, in order to be successful in this industry, you’ll need to have drive and ambition. It’s a position based on team work, with all the kitchen staff needing to work together harmoniously in order to produce a final outcome.The kitchen is a fast-paced, stressful environment, so the ability to keep calm under pressure is also essential.Other key skills include:

Strong communication and organisational skills
Excellent decision-making skills
Drive and self-motivation
Efficiency, and the ability to prioritise tasks
Excellent timekeeping

What's it like to be a Chef?

"I’d always enjoyed cooking and preparing meals for friends and family, but it wasn’t until I finished university with a degree in economics that I realised it was more than just a passion, I wanted to make a career out of it. Now I’m working as a sous chef in a top London restaurant. It’s long hours and hard work but I can honestly say I’m doing a job I love."

Get qualified as a Chef

It is not a necessary requirement to have a degree to become a Chef. However, gaining an industry recognised qualification, as well as relevant work experience, can be the key to finding a perfect position.

Recommended Chef courses

UK Professional Cook (Chef Training)

Training Express Ltd

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UK Professional Cook (Chef Training) Course Online – your key to unlocking a world of opportunity and prosperity right from your own home. Did you know that professionals with advanced qualifications earn on average 20% more than those without? According to recent data, job pro …
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Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Professional Chef Training - QLS Endorsed

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★★★ 24-Hour Knowledge Knockdown! Prices Reduced Like Never Before ★★★ Do you dream of a career in the culinary world? The UK's food and hospitality industry is booming, with a projected demand for over 1.3 million new staff by 2024. Are you passionate about culinary arts and ea …
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