How to become a head chef
You could get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- culinary arts
- hospitality management
- professional cookery
A course with industry placements will help you to gain experience and may give you an advantage when looking for work.
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
You could do a college course like a Level 3 Diploma In Advanced Professional Cookery or 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
- 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 take chef de partie or senior chef advanced apprenticeship.
You could also do a senior culinary chef higher apprenticeship.
These will take between 12 to 24 months to complete.
You may also be able to do this role in the armed forces. You can find more information from:
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
Most head chefs work their way up after starting in a job like a kitchen assistant, before working as a section chef and building up their skills and experience.
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Career tips
You'll need a food safety certificate for this job. Training courses last 1 to 2 days and are widely available through local authorities, colleges and private training providers.
Further information
You can find out more about how to become a head chef from Caterer.com.