How to become a chef
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in culinary arts or professional cookery.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
One way to become a chef is to take a college course, such as:
- Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery
- T Level in Catering
- Level 4 Diploma in Professional Culinary Arts
Entry requirements
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
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Apprenticeship
You could also do an apprenticeship to become a chef, including:
- production chef intermediate apprenticeship
- commis chef intermediate apprenticeship
- senior production chef advanced apprenticeship
- chef de partie advanced apprenticeship
You can also train to be a chef through an apprenticeship in the armed forces.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
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.
Volunteering
If you have no experience, you could volunteer in a community kitchen before applying for a job.
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Further information
You can find out more about how to become a chef from the Hospitality Guild and Caterer.com.