Does working collectively as a part of a team in challenging environments bring you fulfilment? Want to bring people together to experience new cultures and provide an amazing experience for them whilst doing so? If this sounds like something you are passionate about, or simply want a change in the field to something more engaging, then carry on reading about this exciting new opportunity and how to begin your journey in the culinary world as a Level 2 Production Chef apprentice.
Job and Entry Criteria
The Production Chef apprenticeship gives apprentices a chance to delve into catering and pick up key skills simultaneously to be a complete chef. It also allows space for career progression as it leads to many other roles.
Now the entry requirements vary between employers but however, you will need a minimum of five GCSEs or more from grades 4-9. Preferably, it would help if you obtain some background or previous experience in catering to help you stand out from the rest of the candidates but this is not mandatory. An employer may decide to hire you regardless of your previous background as they may feel you are a perfect fit for their organization so no need to worry. Also, apprentices need to complete Level 1 and Level 2 Maths and English prior to completing their EPA. (End-Point Assessment)
Key Responsibilities of a Production Chef Apprentice
The great thing about a production chef apprenticeship is that you pick up a mountain of skills and traits. Your day-to-day responsibilities vary allowing you to dabble in a bit of everything. You will be working as part of a team in time-bound situations in different, challenging environments. You will report to a line manager who will assign you different tasks every day working on developed, standardised recipes and menus, whilst also producing food often in very high volumes so time management is essential. Your organizational skills and most especially, your attention to detail will be put to the test whilst also learning about the importance of sustainability and protecting the environment.
Level 2 Production Chef Core Competencies
Within your job, you will be able to get stuck in and carry out various tasks and duties to fulfil a number of competencies.
- Maintain excellent standards of personal, food and kitchen hygiene.
- Ensure compliance with procedures, menu specifications and recipes.
- Produce food meeting portion controls, and budgetary constraints.
- Adapting and producing dishes to meet special dietary, religious and allergenic requirements.
- Follow, complete and maintain production schedules, legislative and quality standard documentation.
- Use specialist kitchen
- Communicate internally and externally with customers and colleagues.
- Commit to personal development activities.
Production Chef Knowledge Modules and Vendor Exams
As a Production Chef, you will need to equip yourself with the fundamental knowledge and understanding of a number of topics. Throughout the apprenticeship, you will have a chance to show off these skills to show you are a competent Production Chef. These topics range from :
- Kitchen Operations
- Nutrition
- Legal and Governance
- People
- Business / Commercial
- Personal Development and Performance
In addition, you will also need to show you obtains behavioural traits to show you belong in the culinary field and that you deserve a spot in the kitchen. These behavioural traits include:
- Being able to lead by example and working conscientiously and accurately at all times.
- Being diligent in safe and hygienic work practices
- Taking ownership of the impact of personal behaviours and communication by a consistent, professional approach.
- Advocating equality and respect by working positively with colleagues, managers and customers.
- Actively promoting self and the industry in a positive, professional manner.
- Challenging personal methods of working and actively implementing improvements.
Conclusion
As you can see, this is a fantastic opportunity and a great stepping stone for anyone looking to get into the culinary world. The core skills that are covered in the apprenticeship will open doors leading to fantastic progression to advance your career. Furthermore, the apprenticeship provides a steady salary whilst you learn on the job. Employers are now actively looking for apprentices to grow within the apprenticeships that they provide. The future opportunities are endless with the catering industry growing.
For a more technical breakdown of the apprenticeship, check out the post on the Production chef / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
To get some bespoke training for the apprenticeship, check out this link.